Structure Meaning
Structure Definition & Usage
The arrangement or organization of parts that form a whole, particularly in terms of physical construction, organization, or system.
Examples
- "The structure of the building was reinforced with steel beams."
- "Her essay lacked structure and felt disorganized."
- "The social structure of the community was based on trust and mutual support."
- "The structure of the company allows for quick decision-making at all levels."
- "The structure of the novel alternates between different points of view."
A physical construction or building, or the framework supporting it.
Examples
- "The ancient structure still stands after hundreds of years."
- "They admired the elegant structure of the modern museum."
- "The bridge's structure was designed to withstand heavy traffic."
- "The city's skyline is dominated by towering glass structures."
- "Engineers are working to improve the structural integrity of the dam."
To build or arrange something into a particular form or organization.
Examples
- "She structured the report to highlight the most important points first."
- "The company has structured its teams to maximize efficiency."
- "The government is structuring new policies to address climate change."
- "They structured the debate to allow equal time for both sides."
- "He structured the meeting around a series of breakout discussions."
Cultural Context
The word 'structure' originates from the Latin 'structura,' meaning 'a building' or 'a framework.' Over time, it has expanded to refer to both physical constructs (like buildings or bridges) and abstract systems (like social, organizational, or intellectual structures).
The Blueprint of Change
Story
The Blueprint of Change
Emma had always been fascinated by structures—both physical and conceptual. She was an architect by profession, but her curiosity stretched far beyond buildings. One afternoon, while walking through the city, she admired the sleek design of a new skyscraper that had recently been completed. Its structure, all glass and steel, was a testament to modern engineering and design. It stood proudly among the other buildings, its form both functional and beautiful. As she continued her walk, Emma found herself thinking about the structure of her own life. Her career had been carefully planned, each step leading logically to the next. However, she had recently felt a disconnect between her work and her personal passions. It was as if her life needed a new structure—something to bring her back to the core of what truly mattered. Later that evening, she met with her colleague, John, at a local café. John had been talking about restructuring their company’s team dynamics to improve efficiency. Emma listened intently, appreciating how he described the idea of building a new structure to meet evolving needs. ‘It’s all about organization,’ John said, ‘creating something that works together in harmony.’ As they discussed team structures and organizational models, Emma couldn’t help but compare this to her own internal structure. Maybe it was time for a change. She decided to take a few weeks off to focus on her own personal ‘construction,’ as she put it. She would start by rearranging her priorities and finding a new direction. The next day, Emma began to sketch the blueprint for a new kind of life. She realized that just like any great architectural structure, her life needed a strong foundation. It wasn’t about building something extravagant, but about creating balance and harmony. By the time she returned to work, she had restructured not only her career goals but also her outlook on what truly mattered. In the end, Emma understood that a good structure wasn’t just about physical components—whether in a building or in a life—it was about how everything fit together to create something meaningful.
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