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structuralism

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˈstrʌk.tʃər.əl.ɪ.zəm/

KK: /strʌkʧərəlɪzəm/

noun
Definition

A way of studying and understanding different fields like language, culture, and psychology by looking at the underlying structures and relationships between elements.


Example

Structuralism has greatly influenced modern literary theory and anthropology.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard about structuralism in literature?
Sloth B
Yeah, it's that approach that focuses on the underlying structures, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! It really changes how we interpret stories and characters.
Sloth B
I find it fascinating how it can reveal hidden meanings in texts.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
theory
framework
system
Antonyms
chaos
disorder
anarchy
Root Explanation

Structuralism → It is formed from "structura" (from Latin, meaning a building or arrangement) and "-ism" (a suffix used to denote a practice or philosophy). The word "structuralism" refers to a theoretical framework that emphasizes the importance of structures in understanding cultural phenomena.

Memory Tip

Think of 'structure' as the arrangement of parts, and remember that 'structuralism' is a philosophy that focuses on understanding how these parts fit together.

Visually Confused Words
unstructural
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