functionally

Everyday

1. In a way that is about how something works or what it does, not how it looks. tree →
2. For practical purposes; in effect: «functionally the same». tree →

In the lessons

In design and technology it means about how well something works: «functionally, the old phone is fine». In science and maths it can say two things act the same. Phrases: functionally the same, functionally equivalent, functionally useless.

Examples

• The two kettles look different but are functionally the same. tree →
• Functionally, the old bike still works well. tree →
• The broken phone is functionally useless. tree →
• The room was designed functionally, with lots of storage. tree →
• A calculator and a phone app are functionally equivalent for adding numbers. tree →
• Functionally speaking, the bridge is safe, though it looks old. tree →

Note

Adjective: functional (working; practical). Noun: function. «Functionally illiterate» means a person who cannot read well enough for everyday life.