deep structure

noun

Linguistics.

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

deep structure

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of deep structure¹

An Americanism dating back to 1960–65

Example Sentences

“Reagan’s entire approach was somehow or other — almost the deep structure of the universe itself — that the underlying reality is good,” said Robinson, the former Reagan speechwriter who is now a policy fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institute.

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Some already exist: large-scale geological maps based on decades of fieldwork, and surveys of the deep structure of rock formations based on the reflections of seismic waves from artificial or natural earthquakes.

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He understood the deep structure of the genre, the various story beats that pushed a couple from meet cute to final clinch.

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Safran describes the show’s deep structure as a comedy of manners.

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In making “Kevin,” Armstrong and Craig DiGregorio, the showrunner, wanted to bare this deep structure without belittling or parodying the form of the multicam itself.

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