C2 noun Neutral

architecture

/ˌɑːrkɪˈtektʃər/

The complex or carefully designed structure and organization of something, encompassing both physical buildings and abstract systems like software or arguments. It refers to the art and science of designing and constructing entities that are functional, aesthetic, and coherent.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I love the modern architecture of the new library downtown.

I love the modern architecture of the new library downtown.

2

The committee reviewed the naval architecture of the vessel before commissioning its construction.

The committee reviewed the naval architecture of the vessel before commissioning its construction.

3

The architecture of his argument was basically a mess, so I couldn't follow his point.

The architecture of his argument was basically a mess, so I couldn't follow his point.

Word Family

Noun
architecture
Verb
architect
Adverb
architecturally
Adjective
architectural
Related
architect
💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'Arch' (a classic structure) and 'tect' (as in technology or technique). It is the technique of creating arches and other great structures.

Quick Quiz

The ____ of the new software allows for seamless integration with legacy systems.

Correct!

The correct answer is: architecture

Examples

1

I love the modern architecture of the new library downtown.

everyday

I love the modern architecture of the new library downtown.

2

The committee reviewed the naval architecture of the vessel before commissioning its construction.

formal

The committee reviewed the naval architecture of the vessel before commissioning its construction.

3

The architecture of his argument was basically a mess, so I couldn't follow his point.

informal

The architecture of his argument was basically a mess, so I couldn't follow his point.

4

Gothic architecture is characterized by pointed arches, rib vaults, and flying buttresses.

academic

Gothic architecture is characterized by pointed arches, rib vaults, and flying buttresses.

5

We need to scale our cloud architecture to handle the projected traffic increase for the next quarter.

business

We need to scale our cloud architecture to handle the projected traffic increase for the next quarter.

Word Family

Noun
architecture
Verb
architect
Adverb
architecturally
Adjective
architectural
Related
architect

Common Collocations

system architecture system architecture
classical architecture classical architecture
landscape architecture landscape architecture
network architecture network architecture
underlying architecture underlying architecture

Common Phrases

information architecture

information architecture

enterprise architecture

enterprise architecture

software architecture

software architecture

Often Confused With

architecture vs building

A building is the physical object itself, whereas architecture refers to the style, design, or the discipline of creating it.

architecture vs structure

Structure focuses on the physical support or arrangement, while architecture implies a more holistic and intentional design process.

📝

Usage Notes

At C2 level, use 'architecture' to describe the conceptual framework of non-physical entities, such as political systems, software, or philosophical arguments.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use the person 'architect' when they mean the concept 'architecture'. Remember: you study architecture to become an architect.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'Arch' (a classic structure) and 'tect' (as in technology or technique). It is the technique of creating arches and other great structures.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'architectura', which comes from the Greek 'architekton', meaning 'chief builder' (archi- 'chief' + tekton 'builder').

Grammar Patterns

Usually an uncountable noun when referring to the discipline or a general style. Can be used as a countable noun when comparing specific technical configurations (e.g., 'different software architectures'). Followed by the preposition 'of' to describe the subject (e.g., 'the architecture of the brain').
🌍

Cultural Context

In many cultures, architecture is viewed as the 'mother of all arts' because it shapes the environment in which all other human activities occur.

Quick Quiz

The ____ of the new software allows for seamless integration with legacy systems.

Correct!

The correct answer is: architecture

Related Grammar Rules

Related Words

to

A1

Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.

and

A1

A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.

a

A1

A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.

that

A1

This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.

I

A1

The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.

for

A1

Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.

not

A1

A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.

with

A1

A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.

he

A1

A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.

you

A1

Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.

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