Structure

'strʌktʃər

nounBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

The way something is built, arranged, or organized; the interrelationship or organization of component parts.

'strʌktʃər

nounneutralBeginner
General

The arrangement and organization of something.

The company's new organizational structure was designed to improve efficiency.

💡 Simply: Imagine a LEGO set. The structure is how the different blocks are put together to make a cool spaceship or house. It’s the way the parts are organized to make something bigger.

👶 For kids: How things are built or put together, like the bones in your body or the walls of your house.

More Examples

2

The structure of the molecule determines its chemical properties.

3

The framework provides the basic structure for our website.

How It's Used

Architecture

"The structure of the building was reinforced to withstand earthquakes."

Biology

"The cell structure includes the nucleus, cytoplasm, and cell membrane."

Writing

"A good essay needs a strong structure, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion."

2

To give a particular form or organization to something; to arrange or organize systematically.

'strʌktʃər

verbneutralmedium
General

To give form to or organize.

The lawyer helped structure the deal to benefit both parties.

💡 Simply: It's like planning a party or building with LEGOs: you structure it. You decide what goes where and how things are organized to create something bigger or easier to use.

👶 For kids: To put things together in a certain way, like making a plan or putting together blocks to build something.

More Examples

2

We need to structure our time effectively to finish the project.

3

The new CEO plans to restructure the entire company.

How It's Used

Writing

"The teacher helped the students structure their essays."

Business

"The company restructured its debt to avoid bankruptcy."

Programming

"The programmer must structure the code to execute efficiently."

Tip:Think of scaffolding - you're providing support and framework.

Idioms & expressions

structural integrity

The ability of a structure to withstand loads without failing.

"Engineers assess the structural integrity of bridges to ensure public safety."

framework structure

A fundamental underlying structure, used as a basis for something else.

"The framework structure is the foundation on which other items or items rest."

From Latin *structura*, from *structus*, the past participle of *struere* ('to build, construct').

The word 'structure' entered English in the 15th century, from the Latin word meaning 'to build'. It was initially used in architecture and construction and later broadened to include abstract concepts.

Memory tip

Think of building blocks - how they are arranged to create a stable formation.

Word Origin

Root: struere

structurstucturestuctuer

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written