structuralist
|struc-tur-al-ist|
/ˈstrʌk.tʃər.əl.ɪst/
one who focuses on structures
Etymology
'structuralist' originates from French, specifically the word 'structuraliste', where the root 'structure' ultimately derives from Latin 'structura' (from 'struere' meaning 'to build') and the suffix '-iste' (French) denotes an adherent or follower.
'structuralist' developed in English in the 20th century from 'structuralism' (English), which came from French 'structuralisme' and earlier from the noun 'structure' (Old French from Latin 'structura'). The agent suffix '-ist' was added to form a noun meaning 'one who practices or advocates structuralism.'
Initially related to the idea of 'structure' or 'building' (Latin sense of physical or metaphorical arrangement), it evolved into the modern meaning 'an adherent of structuralism'—a specialist who analyzes phenomena in terms of underlying structures.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who advocates or practices structuralism — an approach that analyzes cultural, linguistic, literary, or social phenomena in terms of underlying structures or systems of relationships.
As a structuralist, she analyzed myths to reveal the deep rules that organize stories.
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Adjective 1
relating to or characteristic of structuralism or an analysis that emphasizes underlying structures (e.g., a structuralist interpretation).
The critic offered a structuralist reading of the novel, focusing on recurring patterns and functions.
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Last updated: 2025/11/01 04:22