Meaning & use
deconstruction
A method of critically examining a text or idea by exposing its internal contradictions and assumptions.
See it in a sentence
Her essay used deconstruction to question the novel's assumptions about heroism.
Deconstruction became a major approach in literary theory during the late twentieth century.
A note on using this word
Closely associated with philosopher Jacques Derrida; often used loosely to mean any careful breaking-down of a concept.
Words with a similar meaning
critical analysis
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