Reading Theme:
Functional Meaning: Practical Use & Correct Operation (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：practical and useful (functional)
functional
/ˈfʌŋkʃənəl/
adj.
Something made to be useful and work well, not just look good.
practical and useful
➕
/ˈpræktɪkəl ənd ˈjuːsfəl/
adj.
Designed primarily for efficiency and effectiveness, focusing on how something works rather than its appearance.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'functio' (performance, execution) + English suffix '-al' (relating to).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a 'function' on a calculator—if it works, it's 'functional'. Button does its job!
📖 Example
My new backpack is very functional; it has lots of pockets for my books, laptop, and water bottle, even though it doesn't look fancy.
My new backpack is very practical and useful; it has lots of pockets for my books, laptop, and water bottle, even though it doesn't look fancy.
🔗 Collocations
functional design – design that emphasizes utility and efficiency
functional furniture – furniture made to serve a practical purpose
functional requirement – a specification that defines what a system must do
🔄 Synonyms
practical (adj.) – Concerned with actual use rather than theory or appearance.
utilitarian (adj.) – Designed to be useful rather than attractive.
serviceable (adj.) – Capable of fulfilling a function or role adequately.
🚫 Antonyms
ornamental (adj.) – Used for decoration rather than function.
decorative (adj.) – Intended to make something look attractive rather than useful.
impractical (adj.) – Not sensible or realistic for practical purposes.
🌱 Derivatives
functionality (n.) – The quality of being functional or the set of functions a device can perform.
functionalize (v.) – To make something functional or adapt it for a specific purpose.
📖 Cultural Story
Originating from Latin 'fungi' (to perform), 'functional' entered English in the 17th century. It gained prominence in design and engineering fields to describe objects optimized for utility rather than ornament.
Meaning 2：working correctly (functional)
functional
/ˈfʌŋkʃənəl/
adj.
Describing something that is working correctly and doing its job properly.
working correctly
➕
/ˈwɜːrkɪŋ kəˈrektli/
adj.
Operating normally and fulfilling its intended purpose without errors or breakdowns.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
After the repair, the old coffee maker is finally functional again and makes perfect coffee every morning.
After the repair, the old coffee maker is finally working correctly again and makes perfect coffee every morning.
🔗 Collocations
fully functional – operating at full capacity with no issues
functional unit – a component that operates as part of a larger system
restore to functional – to repair something so it works properly again
🔄 Synonyms
operative (adj.) – Being in effect or operation; working.
operational (adj.) – Ready and able to function or be used.
serviceable (adj.) – In working order and able to be used.
🚫 Antonyms
broken (adj.) – Not working properly; damaged.
defective (adj.) – Having a flaw that prevents proper function.
inoperative (adj.) – Not working or not able to work.
🌱 Derivatives
function (n./v.) – The purpose or task of a device; to work properly.
malfunction (n./v.) – Failure to operate normally.
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser