architectural

Word family

• architect
  nounB1
• architecture
  nounB2
• architecturally
  adverbC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

For this sense, architectural is the best choice when something relates to the design, style, planning, or visual identity of buildings. Structural is narrower and points to parts that hold a building up, such as beams, walls, or foundations. Decorative focuses on beauty or added ornament, so it may describe tiles, paint, or patterns without saying much about the whole design. Building is a broader everyday word used for practical topics such as building costs, building work, or building safety rules. You might praise a temple's architectural style, worry about structural cracks, and choose decorative lights during building repairs.

Common collocations

Etymology

Architectural was formed from architecture and the adjective ending -al. Architecture came into English through French from Latin architectura, which ultimately goes back to Greek words linked with a master builder. The modern adjective keeps that connection to the design and making of buildings.