functional

Everyday

1. Working properly and able to do its job: a functional lift goes up and down. tree →
2. Made to be useful and practical rather than pretty: a functional kitchen has what you need and no decorations. tree →
3. (maths) To do with functions, rules that turn each input number into one output number. tree →
4. (formal) Having a job or role inside a system: the heart is a functional part of the body. tree →

In the lessons

In science and design lessons «functional» means «does the job», and pupils are asked to make a product that is both functional and attractive. In maths it links to functions (input-output machines). In everyday life it is used for working machines and plain, practical things. Phrases: fully functional, functional design, functional clothing, still functional.

Examples

• The old printer is slow, but it is still functional. tree →
• Our design must be functional as well as good-looking. tree →
• The school canteen has plain, functional tables. tree →
• After the storm, only one lift was functional. tree →
• Wellies are functional rather than fashionable. tree →
• The robot we built in class is now fully functional! tree →
• A function machine turns each input into one output. tree →
• Each part of a flower has a functional role. tree →

Note

Adjective formed from «function» + -al. Opposite: non-functional, broken, or decorative. «Functional» does not mean «fun»; the first letters are the same but the meanings are not. Do not mix it up with «fictional» (made up, from stories).