structure
/ˈstrʌktʃə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈstrʌktʃər/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈstrək-chər/ (ame, mw) · /ˈstrʌk.tʃər/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈstrʌk.tʃɚ/ (ame, ipa)
structure — noun
- structuresingular
- structuresplural
1. the way separate pieces are linked together to create a single organised unit th
the way separate pieces are linked together to create a single organised unit that works as a whole.
Saira drew a diagram showing the management structure of the company.
collocation: management structure / company structure
The structure of a language includes its grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
collocation: structure of [something]
Minho studied the structure of DNA in his biology class this semester.
A clear essay structure helps the reader follow the writer's argument.
The social structure of the community shifted when the new road reached the city.
- organization
focuses more on the process of arranging than on the resulting pattern
- framework
emphasises the basic supporting system, often used for plans or systems
- composition
more formal, emphasises what something is made of and how elements combine
常見錯誤
2. a large thing that people have constructed by joining materials, such as a house
a large thing that people have constructed by joining materials, such as a house, a tower, or a bridge.
The old stone structure near the river was built over two hundred years ago.
collocation: stone / wooden / concrete structure
Gabriela visited several historic structures during her trip to Rome.
collocation: historic / modern / temporary structure
The wooden structure of the barn survived the storm with only minor damage.
Tall glass structures now line both sides of the main street downtown.
The city has approved plans for a new parking structure near the train station.
- building
the everyday word; 'structure' is slightly more formal
- construction
emphasises the process or type of building, often used in technical or engineering contexts
- edifice
very formal, usually for large, impressive buildings
用法筆記
"Structure" for a building is slightly more formal than "building" and can also refer to things like bridges, towers, or stadiums.
常見錯誤
3. a shaped part inside a living creature that performs a specific role, such as th
a shaped part inside a living creature that performs a specific role, such as the heart, the lungs, or the bones.
The structure of the human eye lets us focus on objects both near and far.
collocation: structure of the eye / heart / brain
Nia's research paper examined the cellular structure of healthy skin tissue.
collocation: cellular / bone / tissue structure
Reuben learned about the structure of the heart in his anatomy class.
Damage to the structure of the lungs can make it difficult to breathe properly.
The MRI scan showed an unusual structure in the patient's right kidney.
用法筆記
When used in biology or medicine, "structure" usually combines with 'of' and a body part name (e.g., "structure of the brain") or with an adjective describing location (e.g., "cellular structure").
4. a state in which something is well organized and arranged according to a clear p
a state in which something is well organized and arranged according to a clear plan; the act of organizing or building something in a planned way.
The new manager brought more structure to how the team handles customer complaints.
collocation: bring / give / add structure to [something]
Yael felt that her daily routine lacked structure, so she created a schedule.
collocation: lack structure / need structure
The charity needs better financial structure to manage its growing donations.
Children often do better at school when their home life provides structure and routine.
The structure of the project took longer than expected because of conflicting goals.
- order
simpler word; focuses on things being in the right place or happening correctly
- organization
very close in meaning but emphasises the process of arranging rather than the resulting state
- system
focuses on a set of rules or methods working together
- chaos
complete lack of structure or order
用法筆記
This sense is uncountable in its abstract meaning (e.g., "the team needs more structure") and is often used with verbs like "bring," "give," "provide," "lack," or "need."
structure — verb
- structurepresent simple I / you / we / they
- structures3rd person singular
- structuring-ing form
- structuredpast simple
1. to plan or arrange the different parts of something so that they work together i
to plan or arrange the different parts of something so that they work together in an organized way.
The teacher structured the course so that each lesson builds on the last one.
structure + noun phrase (course / essay / meeting / novel)
Indra structured her presentation around three main arguments.
structure + around [theme / topic]
Nikos structured his novel in short chapters, each from a different character's point of view.
We need to structure the meeting so that everyone has time to speak.
Evelyn carefully structured the training programme for new employees.
- disorganize
to make something less structured or orderly
文法句型
structure + noun phrase
用法筆記
Commonly used with adverbs like "carefully," "logically," or "clearly" to describe how the organization is done. Often followed by 'around' (to indicate the central theme) or 'so that' (to state the purpose).