deep structure

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noun Linguistics.

(in transformational-generative grammar) the underlying semantic or syntactic representation of a sentence, from which the surface structure may be derived.

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Compare surface structure.

Origin of deep structure

An Americanism dating back to 1960–65

Words nearby deep structure

deep-seated, deep-set, deep six, Deep South, deep space, deep structure, deep temporal nerve, deep temporal vein, deep tendon reflex, deep therapy, deep throat

How to use deep structure in a sentence

Deep, situational, and emotional jokes based on what is relevant and has a POINT!
Trolls and Martyrdom: Je Ne Suis Pas Charlie|Arthur Chu|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
In front of this strange structure are two blank-faced, well-dressed models showing off the latest in European minimalism.
New York’s Most Tragic Ghost Loves Minimalist Swedish Fashion|Nina Strochlic|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The lascivious sex predator is out; the deep-pocketed caped crusader is most definitely in.
Sleazy Billionaire’s Double Life Featured Beach Parties With Stephen Hawking|M.L. Nestel|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Fumbleroooohski…'” (39) “'Look at me, ungh, splitting my own seam, oohh… going deep.
‘A Gronking to Remember’ Speed Read: 8 Naughtiest Bits|Emily Shire|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST

There was deep brown flesh, and bronze flesh, and pallid white flesh, and flesh turned red from the hot sun.
Powerful Congressman Writes About ‘Fleshy Breasts’|Asawin Suebsaeng|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
He remembered something—the cherished pose of being a man plunged fathoms-deep in business.
St. Martin's Summer|Rafael Sabatini
At present, Louis was too self-absorbed by the struggles within him, to look deep into what was passing around him.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4|Jane Porter
It succeeds best in a deep rich loam in a climate ranging from forty to fifty degrees of latitude.
Tobacco; Its History, Varieties, Culture, Manufacture and Commerce|E. R. Billings.
And then what could be more deep and poetic than Liszt's transcriptions of Schubert's and Wagner's songs?
Music-Study in Germany|Amy Fay
The next moment a pistol was fired at their head, and a deep groan shewed it had taken too true an aim.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4|Jane Porter

British Dictionary definitions for deep structure

deep structure

noun

generative grammar a representation of a sentence at a level where logical or grammatical relations are made explicit, before transformational rules have been appliedCompare surface structure

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012