Meaning of function in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Verb
    1. Definitions
  3. Noun
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  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

    Derived terms

  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 »

    Derived terms

  3. 3. perform duties attached to a particular office or place or function

    Examples

    • « His wife officiated as his private secretary »

    Derived terms

  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? »

    Derived terms

  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 »

    Derived terms

  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

Famous quotes

  • « If we pollute the air, water and soil that keep us alive and well, and destroy the biodiversity that allows natural systems to function, no amount of money will save us. »
    David Suzuki
  • « Today the function of the artist is to bring imagination to science and science to imagination, where they meet, in the myth. »
    Cyril Connolly
  • « The function of the press in society is to inform, but its role in society is to make money. »
    A. J. Liebling
  • « I'm just learning who I am and how relationships work and how to make them function. No different from anyone else. »
    Drew Barrymore
  • « I should like to know what is the proper function of women, if it is not to make reasons for husbands to stay at home, and still stronger reasons for bachelors to go out. »
    George Eliot

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