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functional Meaning & Definition

ˈfəŋ(k)-sh(ə-)nəl

What Does Functional Mean?

As an adjective, functional means of, connected with, or being a function. It is also used to mean affecting physiological or psychological functions but not organic structure.

Functional: Key Facts

Part of speechadjective
Pronunciation/ˈfəŋ(k)-sh(ə-)nəl/
Syllables3
Synonymsoperative, practical and useful
Antonymsorganic, nonfunctional and broken
Comparative / superlativemore functional, most functional
Adverbfunctionally
First known use1633

Functional Definition (Adjective)

  1. of, connected with, or being a function

    the functional differences between the departments

  2. affecting physiological or psychological functions but not organic structure

    functional heart disease

  3. used to contribute to the development or maintenance of a larger whole

    functional and practical school courses

  4. designed or developed chiefly from the point of view of use

    The design of the building is not only functional but also beautiful.

  5. performing or able to perform a regular function

    The flashlight was still functional after I had dropped it.

Synonyms of Functional

Functional synonyms and antonyms →

Antonyms of Functional

Functional in a Sentence

That sculpture is not merely artistic, but also functional: it can be used as a hatrack.

A functional construction element generally must meet higher technical but lower aesthetical requirements.

functional responsibilities

functional coffee

functional fitness

An example of a functional is the definite integration of integrable real functions in a real interval.

A functional construction element generally must meet higher technical but lower aesthetical requirements

the functional differences between the departments

functional heart disease

functional and practical school courses

The design of the building is not only functional but also beautiful.

The flashlight was still functional after I had dropped it.

I don't think that vending machine is functional, so don't put money into it

a functional knowledge of auto mechanics

a very functional kitchen utensil for peeling potatoes

Word Forms & Grammar

func·tion·al·ly adverb

functional

functionalities

functionality

functionally

functional (comparative more functional, superlative most functional)

functional (plural functionals)

Words That Rhyme With Functional

Origin of Functional

From function + -al.

First Known Use

1633

Functional Pronunciation

You say functional as /ˈfəŋ(k)-sh(ə-)nəl/. It has 3 syllables, with the main stress on the first syllable (fəŋ(k)).

Questions People Ask About Functional

What part of speech is functional?

Functional is an adjective.

What is another word for functional?

You can replace functional with words such as operative, practical and useful. See the full list of functional synonyms and antonyms.

What is the opposite of functional?

Words opposite in meaning to functional are organic, nonfunctional, broken and dead.

What are the comparative and superlative forms of functional?

The comparative form is more functional and the superlative form is most functional.

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