functional
FUNGK-shun-ul
/ˈfʌŋk.ʃən.əl/
Designed to be practical and useful rather than attractive or decorative; working properly.
Stresses basic working utility, sometimes implying lack of aesthetic ornament.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'functio' (performance, execution), from the verb 'fungi' (to perform). It entered English in the 16th century to denote performing a specific duty.
Word relationships
- practical: Practical emphasizes sensible action; functional emphasizes operational purpose.
- ornamental: Designed for decorative appearance rather than practical use.
- dysfunctional: Not operating normally or properly.
Commonly confused with
- fictional: Functional means practical or operational; fictional means invented or fake.
Word family
- function (noun/verb): An activity or purpose natural to or intended for a person or thing.
- functionality (noun): The range of operations that can be run on a computer or system.
Collocations
- fully functional
- functional requirement
- functional design
Example sentences
- "The architecture was purely functional, prioritizing efficiency and utility over ornament." Design
Memory hook
FUNCTIONAL things FUNction properly without fuss. Works as intended.
When not to use
Do not use when describing something decorative or purely theoretical.
Fun facts
- In architecture, the slogan 'form follows function' became the motto of modern functionalism.
Related words
Explore more words
ornamental, utilitarian, ceremonial, pragmatic, effectively, effective
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