superstructure
superstructure Lexical Profile
superstructure Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A concept, system, or institution developed on the basis of a more fundamental premise; in Marxist theory, the ideological, legal, and political institutions of a society that arise from its economic base.
"According to classical Marxist analysis, a society's cultural and legal superstructure is shaped by its underlying economic base."
A structure built on top of something else; specifically, the part of a building above its foundation, or the parts of a ship above the main deck.
"Engineers inspected the steel superstructure of the bridge to ensure it could withstand high winds."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the mid-17th century from the prefix 'super-' (from Latin 'super', meaning 'above' or 'over') and 'structure' (from Latin 'structura', meaning 'a fitting together' or 'building').