Syntactical: meaning, definitions and examples
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syntactical
[ ˌsɪnˈtæktɪkəl ]
grammar structure
Syntactical relates to the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language. It refers to the rules and principles that govern sentence structure, ensuring clarity and coherence in written and spoken communication.
Synonyms
grammatical, structural, syntactic.
Examples of usage
- The syntactical rules of English differ from those of German.
- Her essay lacked syntactical variety, making it monotonous.
- Syntactical analysis is essential for understanding complex sentences.
Etymology
The word 'syntactical' originates from the Greek word 'syntaktikos', which means 'put together' or 'joining together'. This term is derived from 'syntaxis', meaning 'arrangement' or 'organization', and 'syn', meaning 'together'. The concept of syntax dates back to ancient grammar studies, where scholars began to analyze the structures of languages. It became more prominent in the 20th century with the development of formal grammar theories by linguists such as Noam Chomsky. As languages evolved, the study of syntax gained importance in understanding not just individual words, but their relationships and roles within sentences.