C1 noun Neutral

structure

/ˈstrʌktʃər/

The complex arrangement of parts or elements that form a whole, providing stability and organization. In an academic or professional context, it refers to the logical sequence of an argument, the hierarchy of an organization, or the physical framework of a system.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The structure of the old neighborhood has remained largely unchanged despite urban development.

The structure of the old neighborhood has remained largely unchanged despite urban development.

2

The proposed organizational structure aims to increase efficiency by reducing bureaucratic layers.

The proposed organizational structure aims to increase efficiency by reducing bureaucratic layers.

3

I really like the structure of your new workout routine; it seems very balanced.

I really like the structure of your new workout routine; it seems very balanced.

Word Family

Noun
structure
Verb
structure
Adverb
structurally
Adjective
structural
Related
restructuring
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Memory Tip

Think of the 'st' in 'STructure' as standing for 'STable' and 'STanding'—it is what helps a building or an idea stand up.

Quick Quiz

The professor critiqued my essay, stating that while my ideas were good, the _____ of the argument was confusing.

Correct!

The correct answer is: structure

Examples

1

The structure of the old neighborhood has remained largely unchanged despite urban development.

everyday

The structure of the old neighborhood has remained largely unchanged despite urban development.

2

The proposed organizational structure aims to increase efficiency by reducing bureaucratic layers.

formal

The proposed organizational structure aims to increase efficiency by reducing bureaucratic layers.

3

I really like the structure of your new workout routine; it seems very balanced.

informal

I really like the structure of your new workout routine; it seems very balanced.

4

A clear argumentative structure is essential for a high-scoring research paper in the humanities.

academic

A clear argumentative structure is essential for a high-scoring research paper in the humanities.

5

We need to analyze the cost structure of the project before committing more capital.

business

We need to analyze the cost structure of the project before committing more capital.

Word Family

Noun
structure
Verb
structure
Adverb
structurally
Adjective
structural
Related
restructuring

Common Collocations

social structure social structure
logical structure logical structure
underlying structure underlying structure
hierarchical structure hierarchical structure
support structure support structure

Common Phrases

sentence structure

sentence structure

power structure

power structure

infrastructure project

infrastructure project

Often Confused With

structure vs construction

Construction refers to the process of building or the physical building itself, while structure emphasizes the arrangement of parts.

structure vs framework

A framework is often a supporting shell or a set of rules used as a guide, whereas structure is the actual internal organization.

📝

Usage Notes

Use 'structure' when you want to emphasize how things are put together or organized. In academic writing, it is frequently used to describe the flow and logic of an essay or experiment.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'structure' as a verb meaning 'to build physically'; as a verb, it more commonly means to organize information or a plan.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'st' in 'STructure' as standing for 'STable' and 'STanding'—it is what helps a building or an idea stand up.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin word 'structura', from 'struere', which means 'to build' or 'to pile up'.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun Often followed by the preposition 'of' Can be used as a transitive verb
🌍

Cultural Context

In Western academic and business environments, having a 'clear structure' is often equated with professionalism and clarity of thought.

Quick Quiz

The professor critiqued my essay, stating that while my ideas were good, the _____ of the argument was confusing.

Correct!

The correct answer is: structure

Related Words

circumgrator

C1

Describing a movement or path that wanders in a circular or roundabout fashion rather than following a direct line. It often characterizes physical motion that encompasses a central area or an indirect approach to a task or problem.

micromerctude

C1

The state or quality of being excessively focused on minute, often trivial details within a mercantile or commercial context. It describes a meticulous precision that borderlines on pedantry, usually regarding small-scale financial transactions or specific trade conditions.

comvertant

C1

A comvertant refers to an entity, proposition, or individual currently undergoing a process of transformation or conversion. It is often used in specialized academic or technical contexts to denote the specific subject being changed from one state or category to another.

subgravate

C1

To aggravate or worsen a situation, condition, or feeling in a subtle or minor degree. It often implies exerting a gradual downward pressure or adding a slight burden to an already difficult circumstance.

dispetize

C1

A dispetize is a formal process or systematic act of resolving minor grievances and petty disputes within a professional or social organization. It serves as a clearinghouse for small-scale conflicts to ensure they do not escalate into significant structural issues.

ultrademation

C1

Ultrademation refers to the state or process of extreme, total automation where human intervention is entirely replaced by autonomous systems and decision-making algorithms. It represents the highest possible tier of technological autonomy within an industrial or digital framework.

semipulsate

C1

A state or instance of partial or intermittent rhythmic throbbing or beating, often occurring at irregular intervals or with reduced intensity. In technical contexts, it refers to a cycle that does not reach the full amplitude of a standard pulse.

adsontion

C1

To undergo or facilitate the process of molecular adhesion where molecules of a gas, liquid, or dissolved solid accumulate on the surface of a solid or liquid. Unlike absorption, this process is strictly a surface phenomenon and does not involve the substance being taken into the body of the material.

intrarogship

C1

Relating to the internal state or quality of inquiry and mutual accountability within a specific group or institution. It describes the dynamics of procedural questioning that remain within a single organizational hierarchy rather than involving external parties.

underpacant

C1

To perform a task or meet a requirement at a rate or quality lower than what was previously established or expected. It is often used in technical or administrative contexts to describe a failure to keep pace with a specific standard or quota.

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