Infrastructure Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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infrastructure
[หษชnfrษหstrสkสงษr ]
Definitions
urban planning
The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities (e.g. buildings, roads, power supplies) needed for the operation of a society or enterprise
Synonyms
facilities, public works, utilities.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| infrastructure |
Use this term when referring to the basic physical systems and structures needed for the operation of a society or enterprise, including transportation, communication, sewage, water, and electric systems.
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| facilities |
This word is best suited for referring to buildings, services, or equipment provided for a specific purpose, such as schools, hospitals, or recreation centers.
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| public works |
This term is often used for projects or services carried out by the government for the benefit of the community, especially pertaining to infrastructure and public facilities.
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| utilities |
Utilities refer to essential services provided to the public, including water, electricity, gas, and sewage systems.
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Examples of usage
- Investment in infrastructure is crucial for economic development
- The city's infrastructure was severely damaged during the storm
technology
The physical components of interrelated systems providing commodities and services essential to enable, sustain, or enhance societal living conditions
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| infrastructure |
Used when talking about the fundamental facilities and systems serving a country, city, or area, including transportation, communication, and power systems.
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| network |
Utilized when referring to a group or system of interconnected people, things, or computers, commonly used in social, technological, or communication contexts.
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| system |
Used to denote a set of connected things or parts forming a complex whole, commonly applied to organizations, technology, and processes.
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| framework |
Appropriate when discussing a basic structure underlying a system, concept, or text, often used in academic, theoretical, or programming contexts.
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Examples of usage
- Digital infrastructure has become increasingly important in the modern world
- The company invested in upgrading its IT infrastructure
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
History
- The concept has been vital since ancient civilizations; the Romans built extensive road networks that are still in use today.
- In the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution led to a rapid development of infrastructure to support growing cities and industries.
- The New Deal in the 1930s included major infrastructure projects like bridges and dams to boost the economy during the Great Depression.
Pop Culture
- Infrastructure is often a theme in dystopian narratives, highlighting its breakdown as a sign of societal collapse.
- Movies like 'The Day After Tomorrow' and 'San Andreas' depict the catastrophic impacts of failing infrastructure during disasters.
- Video games like 'SimCity' and 'Cities: Skylines' let players build and manage virtual infrastructures, teaching about balance and development.
Science
- Sustainable infrastructure focuses on minimizing environmental impact, promoting green materials, energy efficiency, and resilience.
- Smart infrastructure integrates technology, enabling real-time data collection and management for improved urban planning.
- Climate change poses challenges for infrastructure, as designers must consider rising sea levels and extreme weather events in future projects.
Economics
- Investment in infrastructure is crucial for economic growth, as it creates jobs and enhances productivity by improving transportation.
- Developing countries often face significant infrastructure gaps, limiting their economic potential compared to developed nations.
- Public-private partnerships are increasingly used to finance infrastructure projects, blending public benefit with private investment.
Origin of 'infrastructure'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the French term 'infrastructure,' meaning 'under-building,' which hints at its foundational role.
- It first entered the English language in the early 20th century, primarily used in engineering and urban planning contexts.
- The prefix 'infra-' means 'below' or 'beneath,' emphasizing that these systems often lie out of sight, under our feet.
The word 'infrastructure' originated in the French language around the 1920s, derived from the word 'infrastructure', meaning 'substructure'. It gained prominence during the 20th century, especially with the growth of urban areas and the need for organized systems to support society's functions and operations.