function
FUHNG-shuhn
Function (noun) means the purpose something serves or the job it does. Example: “The main function of a bridge is to carry traffic across a river.”
noun
1
The purpose something serves or the job it does.
"The main function of a bridge is to carry traffic across a river."
"The function of a thermostat is to regulate temperature."
"What's the function of this button?"
2
A formal or official event.
"Guests dressed smartly for the charity function held at the town hall."
"He was invited to a formal function at the embassy last night."
"They met at a company function last spring."
3
In maths and programming, a rule or routine that turns an input into an output.
"In this program, the function doubles every number you give it."
"Our maths teacher asked us to graph a simple function on squared paper."
"The function takes two numbers and returns their sum."
verb
1
To work or operate as intended.
"The heating didn't function properly until the engineer fixed the valve."
"Few people can function well without a good night's sleep."
"The old printer still functions, surprisingly."
How to use function
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWhat something is for or does — a purpose, a formal event, or (technically) a mathematical/programming rule.
Common pairings
serve a function
function properly
a mathematical function
a wedding function
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Word forms
- Plural
- functions
- Third person singular
- functions
- Past tense
- functioned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The main _____ of a bridge is to carry traffic across a river.
Etymology
From Latin functio, "performance, execution," from fungor, "to perform or discharge."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for function
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for function →
Frequently asked questions
What does “function” mean?
The word “function” means the purpose something serves or the job it does. In plain terms, what something is for or does — a purpose, a formal event, or (technically) a mathematical/programming rule.
How do you pronounce “function”?
“Function” is pronounced FUHNG-shuhn (/ˈfʌŋkʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “function” in a sentence?
Here is “function” used in a sentence: “The function of a thermostat is to regulate temperature.”
What part of speech is “function”?
Depending on how it is used, “function” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “function” come from?
The word “function” comes from Latin. From Latin functio, "performance, execution," from fungor, "to perform or discharge.".
Is “function” a common word?
“Function” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “function” have?
“Function” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the purpose something serves or the job it does.
What is the difference between function and purpose?
Purpose is the reason something exists — the intention behind it. Function is what it actually does — its role or operation in practice. A chair's purpose is to let people sit; its function is to support weight. Purpose answers 'why,' while function answers 'what does it do.' The two often overlap.
What is the difference between function and role?
A role is the part something plays within a larger system or group, often suggesting responsibility or identity. A function is the specific job or purpose it carries out. They're close in meaning, but 'role' leans toward position and 'function' toward action — what the thing is actually there to do.
What are the other meanings of 'function'?
Besides purpose or role, 'function' has several senses. In mathematics, it's a rule linking each input to one output. In computing, it's a named, reusable block of code. Socially, a 'function' is a formal event or gathering. As a verb, to function means to work or operate properly.
Can something have more than one function?
Yes. Many things are multifunctional, serving several purposes at once. A smartphone functions as a phone, camera, map, and computer. In biology, a single organ can perform multiple functions. Having more than one function often makes a tool or object more useful, though sometimes at the cost of simplicity.
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