deep structure

American  

noun

Linguistics.

1. (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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deep structure British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of deep structure

An Americanism dating back to 1960–65

Compare meaning

How does deep-structure compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• deep structure vs. surface structure

Example Sentences

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.

From Science Magazine • Jun. 1, 2023

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

From New York Times • Feb. 14, 2023

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

From New York Times • Jul. 7, 2021

Catch your numbers below docks and marinas and fish deep structure for bigger fish.

From Washington Times • Nov. 18, 2020

The position of the gap indicates the role that the modified phrase played in the deep structure; to understand the relative clause, we mentally fill it back in.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker