We often use some specific words in research. From ‘thesis’ to ‘hypothesis’, each term has a rich history rooted in ancient languages like Greek and Latin. Understanding their origins can help us simplify their meaning and purpose. Read further to understand the etymology of common research terminology.

Research

The word ‘research’ comes from the Middle French word recherche, which means ‘to go about seeking’. It is a combination of two older French words: re- (meaning ‘again’) and cerchier (meaning ‘to search’).
Research is the systematic investigation into a field of study to establish facts and reach new conclusions

Thesis

The term ‘thesis’ comes from the Greek word thésis. It means ‘a proposition’ or ‘something put forth’. The word is related to the verb tithenai, which means ‘to place’ or ‘to set’.
In India, a thesis is a lengthy, in-depth document that presents original research to earn a PhD or other doctoral degree.

Dissertation

‘Dissertation’ comes from the Latin word dissertatio. This means ‘a discussion’ or ‘a discourse’. It is linked to the verb disserere, which means ‘to examine, discuss, or argue’.
In India, a dissertation is a long-form (shorter than a Thesis) piece of writing, usually required for a bachelor’s or master’s degree, that discusses an area of study in detail.

Abstract

The word ‘abstract’ comes from the Latin abstractus, which means ‘drawn away’ or ‘separated’.
An abstract is a summary of a research paper, thesis, or dissertation. It tells the reader what the document is about without them having to read the whole thing.

Title

The word ‘title’ comes from the Latin titulus, which originally meant ‘inscription, label, tag’.
A title is the name of a research paper or study, which should clearly and concisely state the topic

Literature Review

‘Literature’ comes from the Latin litteratura, meaning ‘writing’ or ‘learning’. ‘Review’ comes from the Old French reveue, which means ‘a second look’ or ‘a fresh examination’.
A literature review is a critical overview of all the existing published work on a particular topic. It helps identify what is already known and what gaps exist in the research.

Referencing / Bibliography

‘Reference’ is from the Latin verb referre, meaning ‘to carry back’ or ‘to report’. ‘Bibliography’ comes from the Greek bibliographia, meaning ‘book writing’.
Referencing is the process of acknowledging the sources of information you’ve used in your work.

While bibliography is a list of all the sources you’ve consulted for your research, whether they were directly cited or not.

Methodology

‘Methodology’ is from Greek words. It combines methodos (‘pursuit of knowledge’) and logia (‘the study of’). It is literally ‘the study of methods’.
Methodology refers to the system of methods and principles used in a particular area of study. It is the section of a research paper that explains how the study was conducted.

Hypothesis

The word ‘hypothesis’ also comes from Greek. It is from the hypothesis, meaning ‘a supposition’ or ‘a foundation’. It is made from hypo (‘under’) and tithenai (‘to place’).
A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon. It is a testable statement that predicts the outcome of the research.