First Known Use: 1973
Dictionary
deconstruction
noun de·con·struc·tion \ˌdē-kən-ˈstrək-shən\
: a theory used in the study of literature or philosophy which says that a piece of writing does not have just one meaning and that the meaning depends on the reader
Full Definition of DECONSTRUCTION
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 <a deconstruction of the nature–culture opposition in Rousseau's work>
2
: the analytic examination of something (as a theory) often in order to reveal its inadequacy
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Origin of DECONSTRUCTION
French déconstruction, from dé- de- + construction
Related to DECONSTRUCTION
- Synonyms
- anatomizing, anatomy, assay, breakdown, analysis, dissection
Rhymes with DECONSTRUCTION
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