Deconstruction

noun

noun ·4 syllables ·Rare ·Advanced level

Meaning at a glance

  • Primary sense: A philosophical theory of textual criticism; a form of critical analysis that emphasizes inquiry into the variable projection of the meaning and message of critical works, the meaning in relation to the reader and the intended audience, and the assumptions implicit in the embodied forms of expression.
  • Grammar: deconstruction is listed as noun.
  • Nearest alternatives: analysis, breakdown, component analysis, critique.
  • Useful contrasts: assemblage, assembly, bridge reconstruction.
  • Usage evidence: Using the approach of deconstruction, the very idea of deconstruction itself must also be deconstructed, and continuously takes on a new meaning.

How to use "deconstruction"

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Meaning check

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Source and review context

This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "deconstruction" in a final draft.

If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.

Before you rely on this definition

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Compare nearby meanings

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Definition decision workflow

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Final meaning check

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Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A philosophical theory of textual criticism; a form of critical analysis that emphasizes inquiry into the variable projection of the meaning and message of critical works, the meaning in relation to the reader and the intended audience, and the assumptions implicit in the embodied forms of expression. countable, uncountable
  2. 2
    a philosophical theory of criticism (usually of literature or film) that seeks to expose deep-seated contradictions in a work by delving below its surface meaning wordnet
  3. 3
    The destroying or taking apart of an object; disassembly. countable, uncountable

    "He shall be empowered to require the immediate deconstruction and re-execution to his satisfaction of any such work as may appear to him to have been executed improperly […]"

Synonyms

All synonyms
analysisbreakdowncomponent analysiscritiquedecomposition cycledeconstructionism

Antonyms

assemblageassemblybridge reconstructionbuild

Example

"Using the approach of deconstruction, the very idea of deconstruction itself must also be deconstructed, and continuously takes on a new meaning."

Common questions

What does "deconstruction" mean?

A philosophical theory of textual criticism; a form of critical analysis that emphasizes inquiry into the variable projection of the meaning and message of critical works, the meaning in relation to the reader and the intended audience, and the assumptions implicit in the embodied forms of expression.

What is a synonym for "deconstruction"?

Common synonyms include: analysis, breakdown, component analysis, critique, decomposition cycle, deconstructionism.

How do you use "deconstruction" in a sentence?

Using the approach of deconstruction, the very idea of deconstruction itself must also be deconstructed, and continuously takes on a new meaning.

Etymology

From de- + construction or deconstruct + -ion.

More for "deconstruction"

Synonyms

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