diploma

IPA/dɪˈpləʊmə/
KK[dɪplˈomɑ]IPA/dɪˈpləʊmə/

diploma — noun

  • diplomasingular
  • diplomasplural

1. an official paper document given by a school or university to someone who has fi

1.nounB1
Definition

an official paper document given by a school or university to someone who has finished all the requirements of a study programme and passed the necessary exams

Example

Lin received her diploma from Taipei University of Technology after four years of study.

collocation: receive + diploma; diploma from + institution

The company requires all applicants to have a high school diploma or the equivalent.

collocation: high school diploma

Common collocations
  • earn a diploma
  • receive a diploma
  • award a diploma
  • hold a diploma
  • high school diploma
  • diploma in nursing / business / engineering
Synonyms
  • certificate

    may be earned for shorter courses or single skills; a diploma usually involves a full programme of study

  • qualification

    broader term covering diplomas, degrees, and any formal proof of skill or knowledge

  • credential

    formal term, often used in plural ('credentials') when referring to educational background as a whole

Grammar Patterns

diploma + in + subject

high school / college + diploma

Usage Note

Plural form is 'diplomas'. Often used with verbs like 'earn', 'receive', 'award', 'hold', or 'get'. To specify the subject area, use 'diploma in + field' (e.g., 'a diploma in graphic design').

Common Mistakes

She earned her degree in nursing from a vocational college.
She earned her diploma in nursing from a vocational college.
A 'diploma' is awarded for completing a practical or vocational programme, while a 'degree' (學位) is a university-level academic qualification, usually requiring more years of study.

Word family

  • diplomate
    nounC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

A diploma is an official document awarded by a school or university after completing a full programme of study. A certificate is usually given for shorter courses or specific skills, such as a language certificate or a first-aid certificate. A degree is a higher-level academic award from a university, typically requiring three or more years of study, such as a bachelor's or master's degree. A qualification is the broadest term and covers any formal proof that a person has the knowledge or skills needed for a job or activity. For example, 'She holds a diploma in accounting' refers to a specific vocational document, while 'She has strong qualifications' could mean a combination of diplomas, degrees, and work experience.

diploma ↗certificate ↗degree ↗qualification ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • earn a diploma
  • receive a diploma
  • hold a diploma
  • award a diploma

Prepositions

Etymology

GreekLatinFrenchEnglish

The word entered English from Latin 'diploma', which meant 'a folded paper' or 'official document'. Latin borrowed it from Greek 'diplōma' (δίπλωμα), meaning 'a folded paper' or 'license', which came from 'diploūs' (διπλοῦς) meaning 'double' or 'folded in two' — referring to the way official documents were folded and sealed in ancient times.