Deconstruction: meaning, definitions and examples

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deconstruction

 

[ ˌdiːkənˈstrʌkʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

critical theory

Deconstruction is a philosophical and critical approach concerned with the relationship between text and meaning. It involves close reading and analysis of texts to reveal the internal contradictions and underlying assumptions. Deconstruction challenges the notion of fixed meanings and emphasizes the ambiguity and complexity of language.

Synonyms

analysis, examination, interpretation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
deconstruction

Often used in philosophy, literary theory, and architecture to break down and understand the underlying assumptions, ideas, and frameworks within a text or structure.

  • The professor's deconstruction of the novel revealed hidden biases and themes.
  • Deconstruction of the building plans allowed for innovative redesigns.
analysis

Commonly used in scientific, financial, and academic settings to examine data or texts methodically and in detail to understand or interpret them.

  • The market analysis showed a decline in consumer spending.
  • Her analysis of the poem brought new insights to its meaning.
interpretation

Often used in contexts where understanding or explaining the meaning of something, such as texts, laws, data, or events, is required.

  • Her interpretation of the law was different from that of the other lawyers.
  • The director's interpretation of the play brought out its underlying themes brilliantly.
examination

Typically used in educational, medical, and investigative settings to assess or inspect something carefully and thoroughly.

  • The doctor's examination determined the cause of the patient's symptoms.
  • The examination of the crime scene provided crucial evidence.

Examples of usage

  • His deconstruction of the poem highlighted the multiple interpretations that could be derived from the text.
  • In deconstruction, there is no definitive interpretation, only a constant questioning of meaning.
Context #2 | Noun

architecture

In architecture, deconstruction refers to a style characterized by the fragmentation and manipulation of traditional design elements. It often involves the use of non-linear forms and the deconstruction of traditional geometric shapes.

Synonyms

disintegration, dismantling, fragmentation.

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Word Description / Examples
deconstruction

Often used in philosophical, literary, or theoretical discussions to break down concepts, structures, and ideas into their fundamental parts to understand them differently.

  • The professor's deconstruction of the text revealed hidden meanings.
  • Deconstruction of ideological beliefs can lead to new perspectives.
disintegration

Describes the process of something breaking apart into smaller pieces or losing cohesion, often used in a physical, organizational, or social context.

  • The disintegration of the old building was evident with all the debris on the ground.
  • The company's disintegration started after the sudden resignation of the CEO.
dismantling

Refers to the process of taking something apart systematically, piece by piece, commonly used in mechanical or structural contexts.

  • The crew began the careful dismantling of the old bridge.
  • Dismantling the machinery required skilled technicians.
fragmentation

Describes the process of breaking or being broken into smaller, separate parts, often used in contexts related to society, technology, or literature.

  • Fragmentation of the group's interests made it difficult to reach a consensus.
  • Digital fragmentation has changed the way media is consumed.

Examples of usage

  • The deconstruction of the building created a visually striking and unconventional structure.
  • Architects used deconstruction to challenge the conventions of architectural design.

Translations

Translations of the word "deconstruction" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desconstrução

🇮🇳 विघटन

🇩🇪 Dekonstruktion

🇮🇩 dekonstruksi

🇺🇦 деконструкція

🇵🇱 dekonstrukcja

🇯🇵 脱構築 (datsukōchiku)

🇫🇷 déconstruction

🇪🇸 deconstrucción

🇹🇷 dekonstrüksiyon

🇰🇷 해체 (haeche)

🇸🇦 تفكيك

🇨🇿 dekonstrukce

🇸🇰 dekonstrukcia

🇨🇳 解构 (jiěgòu)

🇸🇮 dekonstrukcija

🇮🇸 afbygging

🇰🇿 деконструкция

🇬🇪 დეკონსტრუქცია

🇦🇿 dekonstruksiya

🇲🇽 deconstrucción

Etymology

The term 'deconstruction' originated in the work of French philosopher Jacques Derrida in the 1960s. Derrida used the term to describe his method of textual analysis that aimed to expose the inherent contradictions and hierarchies in language. Deconstruction has since been applied to various fields beyond philosophy, including literary criticism, architecture, and cultural studies.

See also: construct, constructed, constructing, construction, constructive, constructiveness, constructivism, constructor, deconstruct, misconstruction, reconstruct, reconstruction, reconstructive, reconstructor, unconstructed.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,443, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.