Meaning of function in English

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˈfəŋ(k)ʃ(ə)n/

    US accent Play button

    UK accent Play button

  1. Verb

    function

    Definitions

    1. perform as expected when applied

    Examples

    • « The washing machine won't go unless it's plugged in »
    • « Does this old car still run well? »
    • « This old radio doesn't work anymore »

    Antonyms

  2. 2. serve a purpose, role, or function

    Examples

    • « The tree stump serves as a table »
    • « The female students served as a control group »
    • « This table would serve very well »
    • « His freedom served him well »
    • « The table functions as a desk »
  3. 3. perform duties attached to a particular office or place or function

    Examples

    • « His wife officiated as his private secretary »

  4. Noun

    function

    Etymology

    mid 16th century: from French fonction, from Latin functio(n-), from fungi‘perform’

    Definitions

    1. a mathematical relation such that each element of one set is associated with at least one element of another set
  5. 2. what something is used for

    Examples

    • « the function of an auger is to bore holes »
    • « ballet is beautiful but what use is it? »
  6. 3. the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group

    Examples

    • « the function of a teacher »
    • « the government must do its part »
    • « play its role »
  7. 4. a relation such that one thing is dependent on another

    Examples

    • « height is a function of age »
    • « price is a function of supply and demand »
  8. 5. a formal or official social gathering or ceremony

    Examples

    • « it was a black-tie function »
  9. 6. a vaguely specified social event

    Examples

    • « the party was quite an affair »
    • « an occasion arranged to honor the president »
    • « a seemingly endless round of social functions »
  10. 7. a set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program