What does "functionalism" mean?
A doctrine, in several fields, that the function of something should be reflected in its design and the materials used in its construction.
Functionalism
/ˈfʌŋkʃənəlɪzəm/ noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A doctrine, in several fields, that the function of something should be reflected in its design and the materials used in its construction.
- Grammar: functionalism is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: architecture, avoid art, contemporary minimalism, design principle.
- Useful contrasts: aesthetic practice, artistic design, catalan architecture.
How to use "functionalism"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "functionalism" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "functionalism" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "functionalism" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "functionalism" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "functionalism" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "architecture" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use surrounding context as the evidence check, then read your sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "functionalism", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A doctrine, in several fields, that the function of something should be reflected in its design and the materials used in its construction. countable, uncountable
- 2 any doctrine that stresses utility or purpose wordnet
- 3 The definition of mental states in terms of their causes and effects. countable, uncountable
- 4 a psychology based on the assumption that all mental process are useful to an organism in adapting to the environment wordnet
- 5 The idea that social and cultural cohesion are a function of the interdependence and interactions of the institutions of a society. countable, uncountable
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 The theory that the Holocaust was the result of a gradual escalation of decisions and procedures at the operational level (approved but not necessarily preconceived by Hitler). countable, uncountable
- 7 A general school of thought that considers psychological phenomena in terms of their role in adaptation to the person's environment. countable, uncountable
- 8 Synonym of functional linguistics. countable, uncountable
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
aesthetic practiceartistic designcatalan architecturedecorative artistry
Common questions
What is a synonym for "functionalism"?
Common synonyms include: architecture, avoid art, contemporary minimalism, design principle, functional analysis, functional theory.
How do you pronounce "functionalism"?
Pronounced /ˈfʌŋkʃənəlɪzəm/.
Etymology
From functional + -ism.