deep structure

noun Linguistics.

(in transformational-generative grammar) the underlying semantic or syntactic representation of a sentence, from which the surface structure may be derived.
Compare surface structure.

Origin of deep structure

An Americanism dating back to 1960–65

Words nearby deep structure

deep reflex, deep scattering layer, deep six, deep south, deep space, deep structure, deep temporal nerve, deep temporal vein, deep therapy, deep throat, deep transverse muscle of perineum

British Dictionary definitions for deep structure

deep structure

noun

generative grammar a representation of a sentence at a level where logical or grammatical relations are made explicit, before transformational rules have been applied Compare surface structure