- [uncountable, countable] the way in which the parts of something are connected together, arranged or organized; a particular arrangement of parts
- the structure of the building
- changes in the economic structure of society
- Bees have a complex social structure.
- the grammatical structures of a language
- the structure of proteins/DNA
Synonyms structurestructureframework ▪ form ▪ composition ▪ construction ▪ fabricThese are all words for the way the different parts of something combine together or the way that something has been made.structure the way in which the parts of something are connected together or arranged; a particular arrangement of parts:- the structure of the building/human body
- the social structure of society
- the grammatical structures of a language
- a salary structure
- The report provides a framework for further research.
- As a photographer, shape and form were more important to him than colour.
- recent changes in the composition of the workforce
- ships of steel construction
- This is a trend which threatens the very fabric of society.
- the basic structure/framework/form/composition/construction/fabric of something
- a simple/complex structure/framework/form
- the economic/political/social structure/framework/composition/fabric of something
- the chemical/genetic structure/composition of something
Extra ExamplesTopics Buildingsa2- The cell walls of plants are of a fairly rigid structure.
- The flimsy structure of the vehicle could not withstand even mild impacts.
- The overall structure of the book is divided into three components.
- There are weaknesses in the structure of the organization.
- the US military command structure
- A new pay structure was introduced last year.
- How does your management structure work?
- She is studying the structure and dynamics of ecosystems in the country.
- Students study the structure of human societies throughout history.
- The country's class structure is dominated by the very wealthy.
- The old-fashioned family structure is no longer the norm.
- The organizational structure of our schools should be examined.
- The usual career structure does not really fit in well with many women's lives.
- The book will appeal to readers interested in the structure and functions of the English language.
- They are investigating the composition and structure of governing boards.
- She vowed to fight back against oppressive power structures.
- The company was accused of having internal structures and processes which were too rigid.
- They feel that we should not genetically alter the structure of the food we eat.
- The organization has decided to change its structure.
- They are putting structures in place to export high value, high quality products.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- basic
- simple
- complex
- …
- have
- lack
- need
- …
- be based on something
- of a…structure
- in a/the structure
- a change in the structure
- a change to the structure
- a lack of structure
- …
Definitions on the go
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- [countable] a thing that is made of several parts, especially a building
- a stone/brick/wooden structure
- She used sand and rocks to build elaborate structures on the beach.
Extra Examples- The library is a magnificent structure.
- Some administrative buildings and other structures will be removed.
- They are planning to build a new barn and renovate existing structures.
- The statue is enclosed within an outer structure of metal and glass.
- Heavy wooden frames form the basic structure of the windows.
Synonyms buildingbuildingproperty ▪ premises ▪ complex ▪ structure ▪ blockThese are all words for a structure such as a house, office block or factory that has a roof and four wallsbuilding a structure such as a house, an office block or a factory that has a roof and four walls.property a building or buildings and the surrounding land; land and buildings:Topics Buildingsb2- We have a buyer who would like to view the property.
- The price of property has risen enormously.
- The company is looking for larger premises.
- a leisure complex
- The pier is a wooden structure.
- a block of flats
- the school’s science block
- a(n) commercial/industrial/residential building/property/premises/complex/block
- an apartment building/complex/block
- a/the school building/premises
- to build a property/complex/structure/block
- to put up a building/property/structure/block
- to demolish/pull down a building/property/complex/structure/block
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- basic
- simple
- complex
- …
- have
- lack
- need
- …
- be based on something
- of a…structure
- in a/the structure
- a change in the structure
- a change to the structure
- a lack of structure
- …
- [uncountable, countable] the state of being well organized or planned with all the parts linked together; a careful plan
- Your essay needs (a) structure.
Extra Examples- Sometimes the play was confusing and lacking in structure.
- Pattern, structure and order form the basis of her art.
- In terms of structure the novel has several flaws.
- Children need structure in their lives.
- The course gives some structure to their day.
- Marks will be given for essay structure and content.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- basic
- simple
- complex
- …
- have
- lack
- need
- …
- be based on something
- of a…structure
- in a/the structure
- a change in the structure
- a change to the structure
- a lack of structure
- …
Word Originlate Middle English (denoting the process of building): from Old French, or from Latin structura, from struere ‘to build’. The verb is rarely found before the 20th cent.
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