deep structure
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
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
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
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