structure
gb/stɹˈʌkt͡ʃɚ/ us/stɹˈʌkt͡ʃɚ/
A2
English
~ 600
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
the way something is organized
The way that the parts of something are connected or put together to form a whole.
Usage pattern:
the structure of [something]
Synonyms
arrangement (More general and can refer to a simpler ordering; 'structure' implies a more complex interrelationship of parts.)
|
organization (Emphasizes a deliberate, functional ordering, often for a specific purpose.)
|
framework (Refers to the essential supporting system upon which other things are built; the skeleton.)
|
composition (Focuses on what something is made of and the combination of its constituent parts.)
Antonyms
disarray (Refers to a state of untidiness and confusion, the opposite of a clear structure.)
|
chaos (Represents a complete lack of any order or predictable pattern.)
Collocations
sentence structure
|organizational structure
|molecular structure
|narrative structure
|complex structure
Themes
general
|science
|business
|linguistics
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The structure of the essay was clear, with an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
- Scientists are still studying the complex structure of the human brain.
- The company underwent a complete change in its management structure.
- Understanding sentence structure is key to learning a new language.
Learner examples
- The book has a simple structure.
- Our teacher explained the structure of a flower.
- I don't understand the structure of this machine.
- The structure of the story was very interesting.
Noun
A2
entity
2
a building or other constructed object
Something that has been built, like a building, a bridge, or a tower.
Usage pattern:
a/an [adjective] structure
Common mistake:
Learners might confuse 'structure' with 'building'. While all buildings are structures, not all structures are buildings (e.g., a bridge, a dam, a cell tower).
Synonyms
building (Specifically a construction with a roof and walls. 'Structure' is more general and includes things like bridges and towers.)
|
edifice (A formal and literary term for a large, impressive building.)
|
construction (Can refer to the object itself or, more commonly, the process of building it.)
Antonyms
ruin (The remains of a structure that has decayed or been destroyed.)
|
natural formation (An object or feature formed by nature, not by human construction (e.g., a mountain, a cave).)
Collocations
tall structure
|permanent structure
|temporary structure
|metal structure
|concrete structure
Themes
architecture
|engineering
|construction
|housing
|daily_life
Examples
- The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous structures in the world.
- The city ordered the demolition of the unsafe structure after the earthquake.
- They built a temporary wooden structure to host the event.
- The bridge is an impressive engineering structure.
Learner examples
- That is a very tall structure.
- The new bridge is a beautiful structure.
- They found an old stone structure in the forest.
- The playground has a fun climbing structure for kids.
Verb
B2
action
3
to organize or arrange something
To give a clear organization or pattern to something.
Usage pattern:
to structure [something] (around/as [something else])
Synonyms
organize (More general; 'structure' implies creating a more complex, systematic framework with interrelated parts.)
|
arrange (Often implies putting things in a particular spatial or sequential order.)
|
design (Suggests creativity and planning with a specific purpose or aesthetic in mind.)
Antonyms
disorganize (To destroy the order or system of something.)
|
jumble (To mix things together in a confused or untidy way.)
Collocations
structure a deal
|structure an argument
|structure a sentence
|carefully structured
|well-structured
Themes
business
|writing
|planning
|academics
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- You need to structure your presentation logically to keep the audience engaged.
- The lawyer helped them structure the business deal to minimize tax.
- The course is structured around a series of weekly projects.
- She carefully structured her day to include time for both work and exercise.
Learner examples
- Please structure your essay with three main points.
- The manager will structure the new team.
- It is important to structure your time well.
- The book is structured by chapter.
Noun
formal
C1
entity
4
an underlying social or political system
The basic system or set of rules that controls how a society, economy, or organization works.
Usage pattern:
[adjective] structure
Synonyms
system (Focuses on a set of interacting parts that function as a whole.)
|
framework (A basic conceptual structure used to understand or address complex issues.)
|
hierarchy (A specific type of structure where members are ranked according to status or authority.)
Antonyms
anarchy (A state of society without any governing structure, law, or order.)
Collocations
social structure
|power structure
|economic structure
|class structure
|political structure
Themes
sociology
|politics
|economics
|theory
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The book analyzes the power structure of the ancient Roman empire.
- Sociologists study the social structure and its effects on individuals.
- Changes in the economic structure have led to widespread unemployment in the region.
Learner examples
- Every country has a political structure.
- The class structure was very rigid in the 19th century.
- He is studying the family structure in different cultures.
Grammar
Dictionary form
structure
IPA
GB/stɹˈʌkt͡ʃɚ/
US/stɹˈʌkt͡ʃɚ/
Syllables & stress
struc - ture (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (struc)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: structure
- Plural: structure, structures
Verb
- Base: structure
- 3rd Person Singular: structures
- Present Participle: structuring
- Past: structured
Word family
Forms
structures
noun
structuring
verb
structured
verb
Core family
structural
adjective B1
Related words
restructure
verb B2
structurally
adverb B2
Negative and opposite forms
unstructured
adjective
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.