Word: structures (noun)

Associations

"Structures" refers to the arrangement or organization of parts to form a whole. It can mean physical buildings or systems, as well as abstract concepts.

• Example 1: "The structures in the city are beautifully designed." This refers to the buildings and architecture in the city.
• Example 2: "The teacher explained the structures of a sentence." Here, it refers to the way sentences are organized in language.
• Example 3: "The company has a complex organizational structure." This means how the company is arranged or managed.

A well-known synonym for "structures" is "framework." The key difference is that "framework" often refers to the basic support or outline of something, while "structures" can refer to both the outline and the complete form.

Substitution

You can use words like "buildings," "frameworks," "systems," or "arrangements" depending on the context.

• "Buildings" is more specific to physical constructions.
• "Frameworks" often refers to abstract systems or outlines.
• "Systems" can refer to organized methods or processes.
• "Arrangements" can imply a more flexible organization of parts.

Deconstruction

The word "structures" comes from the Latin root "structura," meaning "a fitting together."

• "Struct-" is the root meaning "to build" or "to arrange."
• The suffix "-ures" indicates a state or condition, often used to form nouns.

This word has evolved to encompass both physical and abstract meanings, showing how things can be organized or constructed.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a structure you see every day? How would you describe it?
• How do you think the structure of a story is different from the structure of a building?
• In what ways can understanding structures help you in your studies or work?