structure
noun OPAL WOPAL S
/ˈstrʌktʃə(r)/
/ˈstrʌktʃər/
- [uncountable, countable] the way in which the parts of something are connected together, arranged or organized; a particular arrangement of parts
- the structure of the building
- changes in the economic structure of society
- Bees have a complex social structure.
- the grammatical structures of a language
- the structure of proteins/DNA
Synonyms structurestructure- framework
- form
- composition
- construction
- fabric
- structure the way in which the parts of something are connected together or arranged; a particular arrangement of parts:
- the structure of the building/human body
- the social structure of society
- the grammatical structures of a language
- a salary structure
- framework a set of beliefs, ideas or rules that forms the basis of a system or society:
- The report provides a framework for further research.
- form [U] the arrangement of parts in a whole, especially in a work of art or piece of writing:
- As a photographer, shape and form were more important to him than colour.
- composition [U] (rather formal) the different parts or people that combine to form something; the way in which they combine:
- recent changes in the composition of the workforce
- construction [U] the way that something has been built or made:
- ships of steel construction
- fabric (rather formal) the basic structure of a society or an organization that enables it to function successfully:
- This is a trend which threatens the very fabric of society.
- the basic structure/framework/form/composition/construction/fabric of something
- a simple/complex structure/framework/form
- the economic/political/social structure/framework/composition/fabric of something
- the chemical/genetic structure/composition of something
Extra ExamplesTopics Buildingsa2- The cell walls of plants are of a fairly rigid structure.
- The flimsy structure of the vehicle could not withstand even mild impacts.
- The overall structure of the book is divided into three components.
- There are weaknesses in the structure of the organization.
- the US military command structure
- A new pay structure was introduced last year.
- How does your management structure work?
- She is studying the structure and dynamics of ecosystems in the country.
- Students study the structure of human societies throughout history.
- The country's class structure is dominated by the very wealthy.
- The old-fashioned family structure is no longer the norm.
- The organizational structure of our schools should be examined.
- The usual career structure does not really fit in well with many women's lives.
- The book will appeal to readers interested in the structure and functions of the English language.
- They are investigating the composition and structure of governing boards.
- She vowed to fight back against oppressive power structures.
- The company was accused of having internal structures and processes which were too rigid.
- They feel that we should not genetically alter the structure of the food we eat.
- The organization has decided to change its structure.
- They are putting structures in place to export high value, high quality products.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- basic
- simple
- complex
- …
- have
- lack
- need
- …
- be based on something
- of a…structure
- in a/the structure
- a change in the structure
- a change to the structure
- a lack of structure
- …
- [countable] a thing that is made of several parts, especially a building
- a stone/brick/wooden structure
- She used sand and rocks to build elaborate structures on the beach.
Extra Examples- The library is a magnificent structure.
- Some administrative buildings and other structures will be removed.
- They are planning to build a new barn and renovate existing structures.
- The statue is enclosed within an outer structure of metal and glass.
- Heavy wooden frames form the basic structure of the windows.
Synonyms buildingbuildingTopics Buildingsb2- property
- premises
- complex
- structure
- block
- building a structure such as a house, an office block or a factory that has a roof and four walls.
- property a building or buildings and the surrounding land; land and buildings:
- We have a buyer who would like to view the property.
- The price of property has risen enormously.
- premises [pl.] the building or buildings and surrounding land that a business owns or uses:
- The company is looking for larger premises.
- complex a group of buildings of a similar type together in one place:
- a leisure complex
- structure a thing that is made of several parts, especially a building:
- The pier is a wooden structure.
- block (British English) a tall building that contains flats or offices; a building that forms part of a school, hospital, etc. and is used for a particular purpose:
- a block of flats
- the school’s science block
- a(n) commercial/industrial/residential building/property/premises/complex/block
- an apartment building/complex/block
- a/the school building/premises
- to build a property/complex/structure/block
- to put up a building/property/structure/block
- to demolish/pull down a building/property/complex/structure/block
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- basic
- simple
- complex
- …
- have
- lack
- need
- …
- be based on something
- of a…structure
- in a/the structure
- a change in the structure
- a change to the structure
- a lack of structure
- …
- [uncountable, countable] the state of being well organized or planned with all the parts linked together; a careful plan
- Your essay needs (a) structure.
Extra Examples- Sometimes the play was confusing and lacking in structure.
- Pattern, structure and order form the basis of her art.
- In terms of structure the novel has several flaws.
- Children need structure in their lives.
- The course gives some structure to their day.
- Marks will be given for essay structure and content.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- basic
- simple
- complex
- …
- have
- lack
- need
- …
- be based on something
- of a…structure
- in a/the structure
- a change in the structure
- a change to the structure
- a lack of structure
- …
Word Originlate Middle English (denoting the process of building): from Old French, or from Latin structura, from struere ‘to build’. The verb is rarely found before the 20th cent.