organisation
UK[ˌɔːɡənaɪˈzeɪʃn]US[ˌɔːrɡənəˈzeɪʃn]
n
a group of people who work together in a structured way for a shared purpose
n
the activity or skill of planning and arranging something effectively
n
the way in which the different parts of something are arranged
Morpheme Breakdown
organ
is
ation
organ
instrument, system
is
e) (verb-forming suffix
ation
noun-forming suffix
Etymology
The word 'organisation' originates from the ancient Greek concept of organon, meaning a tool or instrument for work. This evolved into Latin organum, which broadened to signify a part of the body performing a specific function. By adding the verb-forming suffix '-ise', the Medieval Latin verb organizare was created, meaning "to furnish with organs, to arrange into a living system". Finally, the noun suffix '-ation' was appended, shifting the focus to the process of structuring or the state of being structured. Thus, the modern meaning logically flows from the idea of constructing a system of interconnected, functional parts, much like the organs in a body, to achieve a coordinated purpose.
Analysis
Structure: organ (instrument, system) + is(e) (verb-forming suffix) + ation (noun-forming suffix)
- organ: From Greek organon via Latin organum, meaning "tool, instrument, body part". In this word, it functions as the core root denoting a functioning part or system.
- is(e): A verb-forming suffix of Greek and Latin origin, used to create verbs from nouns or adjectives (e.g., realise, criticise).
- ation: A noun-forming suffix of Latin origin (-ationem), indicating an action, process, or its result.
Examples
She works for a large international organisation.
The organisation of the conference required meticulous planning.
The book explains the internal organisation of a plant cell.