/ ˈstrʌktʃə(r); NAmE / noun , verb
■ noun
1.
[ U , C ] the way in which the parts of sth are connected together, arranged or organized; a particular arrangement of parts :
the structure of the building
changes in the social and economic structure of society
the grammatical structures of a language
a salary structure
2.
[ C ] a thing that is made of several parts, especially a building :
a stone / brick / wooden structure
➡ note at building
3.
[ U , C ] the state of being well organized or planned with all the parts linked together; a careful plan :
Your essay needs (a) structure.
■ verb
[ vn ] [ usually passive ] structure sth (around sth) to arrange or organize sth into a system or pattern :
How well does the teacher structure the lessons?
The exhibition is structured around the themes of work and leisure.
Make use of the toys in structured group activities.
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SYNONYMS
structure
framework ♦ composition ♦ construction ♦ fabric ♦ make-up
These are all words for the way the different parts of sth combine together or the way that sth has been made.
structure
the way in which the parts of sth 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
framework
a set of beliefs, ideas or rules that forms the basis of a system or society:
The report provides a framework for further research.
composition
( rather formal ) the different parts or people that combine to form sth; the way in which they combine:
recent changes in the composition of the workforce
construction
the way that sth has been built or made:
ships of steel construction
fabric
( rather formal ) the basic structure of a society or an organization that enables it to function successfully:
This is a trend which threatens the very fabric of society .
make-up
the different people or things that combine to form sth; the way in which they combine:
the genetic make-up of plants and animals
composition or make-up?
The main difference between these words is the level of formality. Composition is more often used in scientific and technical contexts; make-up is more often used in speech and journalism. Make-up also means the different qualities that combine to form sb's character.
PATTERNS AND COLLOCATIONS :
the structure / framework / composition / construction / fabric / make-up of sth
the basic structure / framework / composition / construction / fabric of sth
the economic / political / social structure / framework / composition / fabric / make-up of sth
the chemical / genetic structure / composition / make-up of sth
a simple / complex structure / framework
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WORD ORIGIN
late 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.