architecture
gb/ˈɑɹkɪtˌɛkt͡ʃɚ/ us/ˈɑɹkɪtˌɛkt͡ʃɚ/
B1
English
~ 2700
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
Design and style of buildings
The work of planning and making buildings.
Usage pattern:
[someone] studies architecture
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'architecture' with 'architect', which refers to the person who designs buildings.
Synonyms
building design (More general and plain term without artistic connotation.)
|
architectural design (More specific to the design aspect within architecture.)
Antonyms
demolition (Opposite in the sense of destroying rather than creating buildings.)
Collocations
modern architecture
|classical architecture
|architectural style
|study architecture
|architecture firm
Themes
art
|construction
|design
|arts_entertainment
|housing
|education
Examples
- She studied architecture at a prestigious university.
- The city's architecture is a mix of old and new styles.
- Modern architecture often uses glass and steel.
- He has a passion for sustainable architecture.
- The museum showcases the architecture of the Renaissance period.
Learner examples
- I want to study architecture at school.
- This city has beautiful architecture.
- My brother works in architecture.
- They are learning about modern architecture.
Noun
technical
B2
entity
2
Structure of a system or device
The way parts of a system are arranged and work together.
Usage pattern:
the architecture of [a system]
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize this meaning is often used in technical contexts beyond buildings.
Synonyms
framework (Emphasizes underlying structure but can be less detailed than 'architecture'.)
|
structure (More general; can apply to many fields beyond technical ones.)
Antonyms
disorganization (Lack of structure or planned arrangement.)
Collocations
computer architecture
|software architecture
|system architecture
|network architecture
Themes
technology
|engineering
|science
|work
Examples
- The new chip's architecture improves processing speed.
- Software architecture determines how components interact.
- We need to redesign the network architecture for better performance.
- The architecture of the application allows for easy updates.
Learner examples
- The computer has a new architecture.
- Software architecture is important for big programs.
- They changed the network architecture last year.
Noun
B1
entity
3
Style or method of construction
A way of building that is typical for a time or place.
Usage pattern:
the architecture of [a place/period]
Synonyms
building style (Simpler term focusing on visual appearance.)
|
architectural style (More precise term used in art history and design.)
Antonyms
non-architectural design (Not following recognized building styles.)
Collocations
Gothic architecture
|Romanesque architecture
|Islamic architecture
Themes
art
|history
|arts_entertainment
|housing
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Venice is famous for its Gothic architecture.
- Ancient Greek architecture influenced many later styles.
- Islamic architecture often features intricate tile work.
Learner examples
- Paris has beautiful old architecture.
- Greek architecture has tall columns.
- This temple shows traditional Japanese architecture.
Grammar
Dictionary form
architecture
IPA
GB/ˈɑɹkɪtˌɛkt͡ʃɚ/
US/ˈɑɹkɪtˌɛkt͡ʃɚ/
Syllables & stress
ar - chi - tec - ture (4 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (ar)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: architecture
- Plural: architecture, architectures
Word family
Forms
architectures
noun
Core family
architect
noun B1
architectural
adjective B2
Related words
architecturally
adverb
Expressions
landscape architecture
1/lˈændskˌeɪp ˈɑɹkɪtˌɛkt͡ʃɚ/
fixed phrase
Design of outdoor spaces
The work of planning parks, gardens, and other outdoor areas.
Examples
- She specializes in landscape architecture for urban spaces.
- Landscape architecture combines art with environmental science.
modern architecture
1/mˈɑdɚn ˈɑɹkɪtˌɛkt͡ʃɚ/
fixed phrase
Modern-era building design style
A way of building from recent times that focuses on simple shapes and practical use.
Examples
- Modern architecture often uses glass walls and open spaces.
- He prefers modern architecture to older styles.
network architecture
1/nˈɛtwˌɚk ˈɑɹkɪtˌɛkt͡ʃɚ/
fixed phrase
technical
Structure of a computer network
The way a computer network is planned and built.
Examples
- The company's new network architecture improves security.
- We studied different network architectures in class.
software architecture
1/sˈɔftwˌɛɹ ˈɑɹkɪtˌɛkt͡ʃɚ/
fixed phrase
technical
Design of software systems
The way a computer program is planned and built.
Examples
- Good software architecture makes programs easier to maintain.
- They discussed changes to the software architecture during the meeting.