function
/'fʌɳkʃn/
Definition
Noun:
- A specific purpose or role of something: The natural action or intended purpose of a person, object, or system.
- A formal or official social event or ceremony: A large or important gathering, often for a specific purpose.
- (Mathematics) A relation between sets: A rule that assigns each element from one set (the domain) to exactly one element in another set (the range).
- A sequence of operations in computing: A self-contained block of code that performs a specific task within a larger program.
Verb:
- To work or operate in a proper or particular way: To perform the action or purpose for which a person or thing is designed.
- To serve a particular purpose or role: To act as or fulfill the duties of something.
Examples of Usage
Noun:
- The primary function of the heart is to pump blood.
- We attended a charity function at the city hall.
- In the equation y = 2x + 1, y is a function of x.
- The software developer wrote a new function to sort the data.
Verb:
- The elevator is not functioning properly.
- This old sofa can function as a spare bed.
Advanced Usage
"To function as": To serve or be used as something.
- In her absence, her assistant will function as the department head.
"Social function": A formal gathering of people for a social purpose.
- The ambassador's reception is an important social function.
Variants and Related Words
- Functional (adj): Designed to be practical and useful; in working order.
- The design is simple and functional.
- Functionary (n): A person who has to perform official functions or duties; an official.
- A minor government functionary handled the paperwork.
Synonyms
- Noun: Purpose, role, duty, operation, gathering, event.
- Verb: Work, operate, run, serve, act.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Function under: To operate or work while experiencing specific conditions.
- The team had to function under immense pressure.
Related Idioms
- To be in working/functioning order: To be operational and able to perform its intended task.
- After the repairs, the machine is finally in functioning order.
Noun
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a set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program
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a vaguely specified social event
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the party was quite an affair
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an occasion arranged to honor the president
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a seemingly endless round of social functions
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a formal or official social gathering or ceremony
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it was a black-tie function
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a relation such that one thing is dependent on another
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height is a function of age
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price is a function of supply and demand
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the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group
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the function of a teacher
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the government must do its part
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play its role
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what something is used for
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the function of an auger is to bore holes
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ballet is beautiful but what use is it?
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(mathematics) a mathematical relation such that each element of a given set (the domain of the function) is associated with an element of another set (the range of the function)
Verb
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perform duties attached to a particular office or place or function
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His wife officiated as his private secretary
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serve a purpose, role, or function
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The tree stump serves as a table
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The female students served as a control group
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This table would serve very well
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His freedom served him well
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The table functions as a desk
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perform as expected when applied
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The washing machine won't go unless it's plugged in
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Does this old car still run well?
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This old radio doesn't work anymore
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