Deconstruction — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌdē-kən-ˈstrək-shən/ de·con·struc·tion

Meaning & Definition of Deconstruction

Deconstruction (noun)

  1. a philosophical or critical method which asserts that meanings, metaphysical constructs, and hierarchical oppositions (as between key terms in a philosophical or literary work) are always rendered unstable by their dependence on ultimately arbitrary signifiers; also, an instance of the use of this method
  2. the analytic examination of something (such as a theory) often in order to reveal its inadequacy

Deconstruction (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the separation and identification of the parts of a whole

    "a lengthy deconstruction of the president's speech by a panel of pundits"

    similar: analysis, anatomizing, anatomy, assay, breakdown, dissection
    related: assessment, diagnosis, evaluation, examination, inspection, investigation, muster, scrutiny, arrangement, assortment, cataloging, categorization, classification, codification, indexing, enumeration, inventory, itemization, tabulation, division, reduction, segmentation, separation, subdivision
    near: agglomeration, aggregation, amalgamation, assimilation, coalescence, conglomeration, consolidation, integration, synthesis, unification

Related Entry: Deconstruct (verb)

Deconstruct is a different word from Deconstruction. The synonyms below are for deconstruct, not for deconstruction.

  1. to identify and examine the basic elements or parts of (something) especially for discovering interrelationships

    "deconstructing the economic theories of John Maynard Keynes"

    similar: analyze, anatomize, assay, break down, cut, dissect
    related: assess, diagnose, evaluate, examine, inspect, investigate, scrutinize, arrange, assort, catalog, categorize, classify, codify, diagram, enumerate, index, order, schematize, sort, tabulate, divide, reduce, segment, separate, subdivide
    near: agglomerate, aggregate, amalgamate, assimilate, coalesce, conglomerate, consolidate, integrate, synthesize, unify

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Deconstruction

The most common words with a similar meaning to Deconstruction:

analysis, anatomizing, anatomy, assay, breakdown, dissection

Related Words for Deconstruction

assessment, diagnosis, evaluation, examination, inspection, investigation, muster, scrutiny, arrangement, assortment, cataloging, categorization, classification, codification, indexing, enumeration, inventory, itemization, tabulation, division, reduction, segmentation, separation, subdivision

Near Antonyms of Deconstruction

agglomeration, aggregation, amalgamation, assimilation, coalescence, conglomeration, consolidation, integration, synthesis, unification

Origin & Etymology of Deconstruction

French déconstruction, from dé- de- + construction

First known use: 1973

Words & Phrases Containing Deconstruction

deconstructionism

Frequently Asked Questions about Deconstruction

What does "Deconstruction" mean?

"Deconstruction" means a philosophical or critical method which asserts that meanings, metaphysical constructs, and hierarchical oppositions (as between key terms in a philosophical or literary work) are always rendered unstable by their dependence on ultimately arbitrary signifiers; also, an instance of the use of this method. As a noun, it is defined as: a philosophical or critical method which asserts that meanings, metaphysical constructs, and hierarchical oppositions (as between key terms in a philosophical or literary work) are always rendered unstable by their dependence on ultimately arbitrary signifiers; also, an instance of the use of this method.

What is another word for "Deconstruction"?

Other words for "Deconstruction" include analysis, anatomizing, anatomy, assay, breakdown and dissection. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Deconstruction" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Deconstruction"?

There are 30 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Deconstruction". Common alternatives include analysis, anatomizing, anatomy, assay, breakdown and dissection.

How do you use "Deconstruction" in a sentence?

Examples of "Deconstruction" in a sentence: "a lengthy deconstruction of the president's speech by a panel of pundits".

Is "Deconstruction" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Deconstruction" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Deconstruction"?

"Deconstruction" is pronounced /ˌdē-kən-ˈstrək-shən/ and divided into syllables as de·con·struc·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Deconstruction"?

"Deconstruction" comes from French déconstruction, from dé- de- + construction. First known use: 1973.

What is another word for "Deconstruction" meaning "the separation and identification of the parts of a whole"?

When "Deconstruction" (noun) means the separation and identification of the parts of a whole, synonyms include analysis, anatomizing, anatomy, assay, breakdown and dissection.