1. In linguistics, the underlying grammatical structure of a sentence that is distinct from its surface structure, according to Noam Chomsky's transformational grammar theory
The deep structures of language reveal how humans generate infinite sentences from finite rules.
As estruturas profundas da linguagem revelam como os humanos geram infinitas sentenças a partir de regras finitas.
2. Fundamental, underlying patterns or frameworks that are not immediately visible or apparent
Understanding the deep structures of the organization helped the consultant identify systemic problems.
Compreender as estruturas profundas da organização ajudou o consultor a identificar problemas sistêmicos.
3. In geology and geography, underground layers or formations beneath the Earth's surface
Geologists studied the deep structures beneath the continental shelf.
Os geólogos estudaram as estruturas profundas sob a plataforma continental.