well-structured
Meaning
Having a good, clear, or effective organization or arrangement.
Structure
Usage
The course provides a well-structured introduction to the fundamentals of programming.
A well-structured essay will have a clear thesis, supporting paragraphs, and a conclusion.
The company's well-structured management system allowed for efficient decision-making.
Etymology
The word 'well-structured' is a modern English compound adjective. Its core, 'structure', originates from the Latin structura, meaning "a building, construction," itself derived from the past participle structus of the verb struere (to build). The prefix 'well-' is of Germanic origin, from Old English wel, and functions as a general intensifier denoting quality or propriety. Thus, the literal sense of "built well" evolved into the modern abstract meaning describing anything—from an argument to a database—that is clearly and effectively organized, mirroring the solidity of a well-constructed building.
Analysis
- well: From Old English wel, meaning "in a good manner, properly, satisfactorily." It functions as an adverb modifying the past participle. - struct: From the Latin verb struere, meaning "to pile up, build, assemble." It is the root conveying the core meaning of construction or arrangement. - ed: A past participle suffix from Old English -ed, -od, -ad, used here to form a participial adjective from a verb.