Function
Definition
Function refers to the purpose, role, or activity that something is designed or expected to perform. It also denotes a mathematical relationship or an event held for a specific purpose.
Parts of Speech
- Noun
- Verb
Pronunciation
American English
- IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfʌŋk.ʃən/
- Respelling: FUHNGK-shuhn
British English
- IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfʌŋk.ʃən/
- Respelling: FUHNGK-shuhn
Etymology
The word "function" originates from Latin "functio," meaning "performance or execution," derived from "fungi," meaning "to perform." It entered Middle English through Old French and retains its meanings of purpose and operation.
Derivatives
- Functional (adjective)
- Functionality (noun)
- Dysfunction (noun)
- Functionally (adverb)
- Multifunctional (adjective)
Synonyms
- Role
- Purpose
- Operation
Antonyms
- Dysfunction
- Nonperformance
- Disorder
Usage
The term "function" is widely used in scientific, mathematical, and everyday contexts. For example, "The primary function of the heart is to pump blood," or "He attended a social function last evening."
Related Terms
- Mechanism: The structure enabling a device to function.
- System: A set of interdependent components with specific functions.
- Event: A gathering or occasion.
Detailed Definitions
Noun
- The purpose or role of something: Refers to the specific activity or purpose for which an object or system is designed.
- Example: "The main function of this tool is to cut wood."
- A mathematical relationship: Indicates a relationship or mapping between inputs and outputs.
- Example: "The function y = f(x) defines how y depends on x."
- A social or official event: Refers to a formal gathering or occasion.
- Example: "The wedding function was attended by hundreds."
Verb
- To operate or work as intended: Describes the act of performing a specific role or duty.
- Example: "The machine is designed to function efficiently under pressure."
- To serve a specific purpose: Refers to fulfilling a particular role or duty.
- Example: "This space functions as both an office and a library."
function
A “function” is the role or job that something performs, as shown by each labeled gear.
The machine is designed to function efficiently under pressure.
The function y = f(x) defines how y depends on x.
🇨🇳 Mandarin Chinese
- 功能 (function, as in role or activity)
- IPA: /ɡoŋ néŋ/
- English Respell: gōngnéng
- 函数 (function, in mathematical context)
- IPA: /ɕyàn ʂu/
- English Respell: shùshū
🇮🇳 Hindi
- कार्य (function, as in role or activity)
- IPA: /kaːɾ.jaː/
- English Respell: karya
- समारोह (function, as in event or ceremony)
- IPA: /səmaːɾoːh/
- English Respell: samaroh
🇪🇸 Spanish
- Función (function, as in role or activity or mathematical context)
- IPA: /funkˈsjon/
- English Respell: función
🇫🇷 French
- Fonction (function, as in role or activity or mathematical context)
- IPA: /fɔ̃ksjɔ̃/
- English Respell: fonction
🇦🇪 Arabic (Modern Standard)
- وظيفة (function, as in role or activity)
- IPA: /wɑːˈðiːfɐ/
- English Respell: waziifah
- دالة (function, in mathematical context)
- IPA: /daːlah/
- English Respell: daalah
🇧🇩 Bengali
- ফাংশন (function, as in role or activity)
- IPA: /pʰaŋʃɔn/
- English Respell: phankshan
- কার্য (function, in mathematical context)
- IPA: /karja/
- English Respell: karja
🇷🇺 Russian
- Функция (function, as in role or activity or mathematical context)
- IPA: /ˈfunktsɨjə/
- English Respell: funktsiya
🇵🇹 Portuguese
- Função (function, as in role or activity or mathematical context)
- IPA: /fũˈsɐ̃w̃/
- English Respell: função
🇮🇩 Indonesian
- Fungsi (function, as in role or activity or mathematical context)
- IPA: /fuŋsi/
- English Respell: fungsi
🇩🇪 German
- Funktion (function, as in role or activity or mathematical context)
- IPA: /fʊŋkˈʦi̯oːn/
- English Respell: funktion
🇯🇵 Japanese
- 機能 (function, as in role or activity)
- IPA: /kiːnoː/
- English Respell: kīnō
- 関数 (function, in mathematical context)
- IPA: /kaɴsɯː/
- English Respell: kansū
🇻🇳 Vietnamese
- Chức năng (function, as in role or activity)
- IPA: /cuk˨˩ naːŋ˧/
- English Respell: chức năng
- Hàm số (function, in mathematical context)
- IPA: /haːm˧ˀ˨ʔ so˧ˀ˨ʔ/
- English Respell: hàm số
🇰🇷 Korean
- 기능 (function, as in role or activity)
- IPA: /ɡinʲʌŋ/
- English Respell: gineung
- 함수 (function, in mathematical context)
- IPA: /hamːsʰu/
- English Respell: hamsu
🇹🇷 Turkish
- Fonksiyon (function, as in role or activity or mathematical context)
- IPA: /fɔnksijɔn/
- English Respell: fonksiyon
🇵🇰 Urdu
- کام (function, as in role or activity)
- IPA: /kaːm/
- English Respell: kaam
- فعل (function, in mathematical context)
- IPA: /feʔl/
- English Respell: fe'l
