CultureAugust 30, 2026

viva

VY-vuh

Definition

An oral examination, particularly one conducted as part of an academic degree or for the defense of a thesis.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'viva voce', meaning 'with the living voice', referring to the traditional practice of spoken examination rather than written assessment.

In the news

The author describes an 'imaginary viva' used in a comedic, pedagogical essay where he and a colleague acted as examiners questioning the theorist Kenneth Waltz.

Interview – Hidemi Suganami

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E-International Relations

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