Masterformat is a standard used in the construction industry to organize and classify specifications, drawings, and other written information related to construction projects. It was developed by the Construction Specification Institute (CSI) and is widely used in North America. The system is based on a hierarchical structure of numbers and titles, which are used to classify construction documents into categories and subcategories. The primary purpose of Masterformat is to facilitate communication between different parties involved in a project and to enable users to quickly locate and organize information. One of the key aspects of Masterformat is its hierarchical structure, which allows for easy organization and classification of information. The system is divided into 16 divisions, each of which covers a different aspect of the construction process. These divisions are further broken down into more specific subcategories, which enable users to quickly locate and access the information they need. Another important aspect of Masterformat is its use of standardized language and terminology. This helps to ensure that all parties involved in a project are using the same terminology and language, which reduces the risk of miscommunication and errors. Additionally, Masterformat provides a standardized format for specifications, which helps to ensure that all specifications are clear, concise, and complete. Overall, Masterformat is an essential tool for anyone involved in the construction industry. It provides a standardized system for organizing and classifying information, which helps to facilitate communication and ensure that all parties involved in a project are on the same page. By using Masterformat, construction professionals can save time, reduce errors, and improve the overall quality of their work.
Construction Specification Institute, standardized language, standardized format, specifications, subcategories
Masterformat is an English language term used to refer to a standard organizational system for indexing and cataloguing construction drawings and information and is the industry-standard of the Canadian construction industry. Its etymology is derived from a combination of words “master” and “format” to refer to its ability to function as a system of digital documents and information which are related to administrative and technical documentation related to the construction world. This term has evolved historically due to the rapid growth in the construction industry and the need for an effective information system which can be accessed online and in hard-copy formats. The morphology of the term indicates its purpose and can be seen as a combination of two distinct words “master” and “format” which represent the two dimensional characteristics of the system. The pragmatics of the term reflects the purpose of the system, which is to provide access to easy-to-use, organized, and reliable information to all stakeholders in the construction industry, thereby meeting the need for an effective standard.
Etymology, Morphology, Pragmatics, Construction, System.
CITATION : "Henry Fontaine. 'Masterformat.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=226169 (Accessed on July 16, 2025)"
The word Masterformat is a proper noun, belonging to the part of speech of noun. Synonyms for Masterformat include template, format, form, style, convention, and layout. Antonyms for Masterformat include ad-hoc, haphazard, disorderly, and improvised. Cognates for Masterformat include word forms in various languages such as “formato maestre” in Spanish, “musterformat” in German, and “maître format” in French. Variants of the word Masterformat include “master-format” and “master format”.
Etymological origin, morphological characterization, syntax, lexical semantics, language variation, prototyping, lexicographical composition, lexicon expansion, linguistic collocations, language transfer.
Masterformat is a construction industry standard that provides a common system used to organize and classify specifications and other written information related to construction projects. It is used primarily in North America and is based on a hierarchical structure of numbers and titles, which are used to classify construction documents into categories and subcategories. This system enables users to quickly locate and organize information, while also allowing for the easy comparison of various products and services. Masterformat also serves as a tool to facilitate communication between different parties involved in a project.
Construction, Building, Specifications, Standards.
Masterformat is a standard for organizing specifications and other key documents related to construction projects. It is a product of the Construction Specification Institute (CSI) and is widely used in the industry to manage cost estimates, bids, and specifications. Masterformat divides construction information into 16 divisions that are organized by the major categories of work performed on the project. The divisions are further broken down into more specific numbers and titles, which can be used to provide more detailed descriptions of the project.
Construction, organisation, specifications, CSI, divisions, format, titles, cost estimates, bids.
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