Deconstruction: meaning, definitions and examples
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deconstruction
[ ˌdiːkənˈstrʌkʃən ]
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?
Word | Description / Examples |
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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.
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analysis |
Commonly used in scientific, financial, and academic settings to examine data or texts methodically and in detail to understand or interpret them.
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interpretation |
Often used in contexts where understanding or explaining the meaning of something, such as texts, laws, data, or events, is required.
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examination |
Typically used in educational, medical, and investigative settings to assess or inspect something carefully and thoroughly.
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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.
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.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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deconstruction |
Often used in philosophical, literary, or theoretical discussions to break down concepts, structures, and ideas into their fundamental parts to understand them differently.
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disintegration |
Describes the process of something breaking apart into smaller pieces or losing cohesion, often used in a physical, organizational, or social context.
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dismantling |
Refers to the process of taking something apart systematically, piece by piece, commonly used in mechanical or structural contexts.
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fragmentation |
Describes the process of breaking or being broken into smaller, separate parts, often used in contexts related to society, technology, or literature.
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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.
- ...
- 21440 evangelistic
- 21441 germinated
- 21442 midwifery
- 21443 deconstruction
- 21444 applicator
- 21445 crayfish
- 21446 transcribing
- ...