function
pronunciation
How to pronounce function in British English:
UK [ˈfʌŋkʃn]
How to pronounce function in American English:
US [ˈfʌŋkʃn]
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- Noun:
- a mathematical relation such that each element of one set is associated with at least one element of another set
- what something is used for
- the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group
- a relation such that one thing is dependent on another
- a formal or official social gathering or ceremony
- a vaguely specified social event
- a set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program
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- Verb:
- perform as expected when applied
- serve a purpose, role, or function
- perform duties attached to a particular office or place or function
Word Origin
- function
- function: [16] The ultimate source of function is the Latin verb fungī ‘perform, discharge’, which may be related to Sanskrit bhunkte ‘he enjoys’. From its past participle, functus, was formed the abstract noun functiō ‘performance, activity’, which passed into English via Old French fonction. Other English derivatives of fungī include defunct and perfunctory [16], etymologically ‘done only to discharge an obligation’.=> defunct, perfunctory
- function (n.)
- 1530s, "one's proper work or purpose; power of acting in a specific proper way," from Middle French fonction (16c.) and directly from Latin functionem (nominative functio) "a performance, an execution," noun of action from funct-, past participle stem of fungi "perform, execute, discharge," from PIE root *bheug- (2) "to use, enjoy" (see brook (v.)). Meaning "official ceremony" is from 1630s, originally in church use. Use in mathematics probably was begun by Leibnitz (1692). In reference to computer operations, 1947.
- function (v.)
- 1844, "perform a function" (intransitive), from function (n.). Related: Functioned; functioning.
Example
- 1. Stress can also decrease sexual function .
- 2. Perhaps they would outsource the function to service providers .
- 3. Today , we must let the automatic stabilisers function .
- 4. Writing your own validator function is another option .
- 5. Modern japan simply cannot function without tepco .