deconstruction
UK[ˌdiːkənˈstrʌkʃn]US[ˌdiːkənˈstrʌkʃn]
n
a method of analyzing texts, ideas, or systems which questions traditional assumptions about meaning, truth, and objectivity, often by exposing internal contradictions.
n
the process of taking something apart or analyzing it in such a way as to reveal its basis or internal structure.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
con
struction
de
reverse
con
together
struction
building
Etymology
the word deconstruction is a modern english formation built upon classical latin components. it directly combines the reversal prefix 'de-' with the noun 'construction', which itself derives from latin 'constructionem', the act of building or piling together. the term was adopted and given a specific philosophical meaning in the late 20th century, primarily through the work of jacques derrida. its logic moves from the literal sense of "taking a building apart" to the abstract, analytical method of dismantling established conceptual frameworks to examine their underlying assumptions and contradictions.
Analysis
Structure: de (reverse) + con (together) + struction (building)
de: a latin prefix meaning "down, away, off, reverse, undo."
con: a latin prefix (variant of 'com-') meaning "with, together, thoroughly."
struction: from latin 'structio' (a building, piling up), from the verb 'struere' (to pile up, build). it functions as the core noun root.
Examples
literary scholars often apply deconstruction to reveal the hidden biases within a classic novel.
his argument involved a thorough deconstruction of the government's economic policy.
the philosopher's lecture focused on the deconstruction of binary oppositions like speech and writing.