structure
B2Neutral to formal
Definition
Meaning
The way in which the parts of a complex system are arranged and organised.
A building or other object constructed from several parts; the arrangement of and relations between the parts or elements of something complex.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Used both for physical objects (like buildings) and abstract systems (like organisations, sentences, or arguments). Implies an intentional or inherent organisation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage.
Connotations
Slightly more common in American business jargon (e.g., 'corporate structure'). In British English, 'building' is often preferred for the physical sense.
Frequency
Highly frequent in both varieties, with near-identical usage patterns.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] + structure: analyse/build/change/create/design/determine/establish/examine/explain/impose/improve/lack/modify/provide/reveal/show/simplify/understand the structureVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Structure your day”
- “A structure for success”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to company hierarchy, departments, and reporting lines (e.g., 'flatten the corporate structure').
Academic
Describes the organisation of ideas, arguments, texts, or physical systems (e.g., 'the structure of the atom').
Everyday
Used for buildings, family units, or daily routines (e.g., 'The old structure was demolished.', 'Children need structure.').
Technical
In computing, refers to data types; in engineering, to load-bearing designs; in linguistics, to grammar.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We need to structure the report more clearly.
- The course is structured around weekly seminars.
American English
- Let's structure the deal to be tax-efficient.
- The program is structured to allow for flexible scheduling.
adverb
British English
- The essay was poorly structured.
- The team was hierarchically structured.
American English
- The data is neatly structured in tables.
- The department is loosely structured.
adjective
British English
- She prefers structured activities to free play.
- A structured interview process is fairer.
American English
- Kids thrive in a structured environment.
- He gave a highly structured presentation.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The school is a big structure.
- A sentence has a structure.
- The company has a flat management structure.
- The crystal's structure is very complex.
- They plan to restructure the entire organisation.
- The grammatical structure of this language is challenging.
- Postmodern architecture often deconstructs traditional structural forms.
- The deep structure of the narrative only becomes apparent upon a second reading.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'STRUCTure' as something you CONSTRUCT – it has to be built with parts in a specific order.
Conceptual Metaphor
ORGANISATION IS PHYSICAL STRUCTURE (e.g., 'The argument collapsed.', 'Rebuild the team.').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid overusing 'строение' for abstract concepts; 'структура' is a direct cognate and works for most senses.
- Do not confuse with 'construction' (процесс строительства).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'structure' as a countable noun for uncountable concepts (e.g., 'He gave a structure' vs. 'He provided structure').
- Confusing 'structured' (adjective) with 'structure' (noun/verb).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely meaning of 'structure'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be both. Countable: 'The city has many ancient structures.' Uncountable: 'Your essay lacks structure.'
'Structure' is the final organised form/object. 'Construction' is the process of building it or the industry involved.
Yes, commonly. It means 'to arrange or organise something into a coherent system' (e.g., 'Structure your day for maximum productivity.').
No. 'Infrastructure' refers to the foundational systems and facilities (roads, power grids) needed for society/economy to function, which is a more specific use of 'structure'.
Collections
Part of a collection
Social Theory
C1 · 47 words · Advanced vocabulary for sociology and social science.