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Doctor of Humanities

Doctor of Humanities

5.7
An honorary university degree given for important work in subjects like history or literature
  • noun
  • /ˈdɒktər əv hjuːˈmænɪtiz/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Doctor en Humanidades
  • She was awarded a Doctor of Humanities degree by the university for her lifelong contribution to literature.

Examples

  • Several renowned scholars have received the title of Doctor of Humanities in recognition of their work.

  • The university grants a Doctor of Humanities to notable figures.

  • After the ceremony, he proudly mentioned his new Doctor of Humanities honor to his colleagues.

  • She was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humanities last year.

  • Several renowned scholars have received the title of Doctor of Humanities in recognition of their work.

  • After the ceremony, he proudly mentioned his new Doctor of Humanities honor to his colleagues.

  • She was awarded a Doctor of Humanities degree by the university for her lifelong contribution to literature.

Synonyms

Doctor of Humane Letters
vsDoctor of Humanities
  • Specialized
8.9

An honorary university degree given for important work in literature or the humanities

recognizes achievements across many studies about people and culture
Doctor of Arts
vsDoctor of Humanities
  • Specialized
7.1

A high-level degree for study or achievement in arts and humanities

focuses on recognizing achievements in studies about people and culture rather than practice
ArtsD
vsDoctor of Humanities
  • Formal
8.9

A university gives a degree as an honor for work in the arts

honors achievements in studies about people and culture rather than creative practice

How Advanced

PhD
  • UK
139 4.8
Doctor of Humanities
  • Specialized
5.7
certificate
307 2.7

Surface Forms

Morphology

doctor + of + humanities

The phrase composes 'doctor' (a doctoral degree holder) + 'of' + 'humanities' to denote a doctorate in the humanities, so a learner who knows the parts will readily infer it refers to a doctoral title in that field. This noun-of-noun construction is cross-linguistically common and follows standard titling patterns; although the input notes an honorary aspect, the core meaning (a doctorate relating to the humanities) is transparently derived from the constituents.

Etymology

Doctor of Humanities comes from the older use of doctor meaning a teacher or learned person and humanities meaning studies about human culture, like literature, history, and languages. Universities began to give the title to honor people who did important work in these areas, so today Doctor of Humanities usually means an 'honorary degree' given to recognize such achievements.