functionalism

/'fʌɳkʃənlizm/

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Word: Functionalism

Part of Speech: Noun

Basic Definition: Functionalism is the idea or belief that something is important because of its usefulness or purpose. In psychology, it means that all mental processes (like thinking, feeling, and remembering) help people adapt and survive in their environment.

Usage Instructions:

You can use "functionalism" when talking about theories in psychology, sociology, or even in design. It helps to describe things that focus on how well something works or serves a purpose.

Example Sentences:

1. Psychology: "Functionalism suggests that our thoughts and feelings have developed to help us deal with the world around us."
2. Design: "The new chair is a great example of functionalism; it looks simple but is very comfortable and practical."

Advanced Usage:

In academic discussions, functionalism can refer to specific theories in different fields: - In Sociology: It refers to the idea that every part of society has a role that helps maintain the stability of that society. - In Architecture: It means that buildings should be designed based on their function rather than just how they look.

Word Variants:

• Functionalist (noun/adjective): A person who supports or believes in functionalism, or something that relates to functionalism.
• Functionality (noun): The quality of being able to perform a specific function or purpose.

Different Meaning:

• In everyday language, "functional" can mean something that works well or is practical, but "functionalism" is more about the theory or belief in usefulness.

Synonyms:

• Utility
• Purposefulness
• Pragmatism (in a broader sense)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While "functionalism" does not have specific idioms or phrasal verbs, understanding its meaning can help you grasp phrases like "form follows function," which means that the shape of something should be primarily based on its intended function.

Conclusion:

Functionalism is an important concept in various fields, especially in psychology, where it helps explain how our mental processes help us adapt and survive.

Academic

Noun

1. any doctrine that stresses utility or purpose
2. a psychology based on the assumption that all mental process are useful to an organism in adapting to the environment