function
gb/fˈʌŋkʃən/ us/fˈʌŋkʃən/
B1
English
~ 800
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
Purpose or role of something
The job or use of something or someone.
Usage pattern:
the function of [something] is to [verb]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'function' with 'event' when talking about purpose.
Synonyms
role (Often refers to a person's position or responsibilities rather than an object's purpose.)
|
purpose (Focuses more on the reason something exists rather than how it operates.)
Antonyms
dysfunction (Refers to the failure to serve the intended purpose.)
Collocations
primary function
|serve a function
|perform a function
|important function
Themes
daily life
|work
|technology
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The main function of the heart is to pump blood.
- This button's function is to start the machine.
- Her function in the team is to manage schedules.
- The museum serves an educational function.
- The function of this software is data analysis.
Learner examples
- The function of a pen is to write.
- A teacher's function is to help students learn.
- The function of the fridge is to keep food cold.
- The function of the phone is to make calls.
Noun
B2
event
2
Formal social gathering
A big and important party or meeting, often for work or special occasions.
Usage pattern:
attend a function
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this meaning with 'purpose', especially in writing.
Synonyms
event (More general; can refer to any occurrence, not necessarily formal.)
|
gathering (Usually more informal and smaller in scale.)
Antonyms
private gathering (An informal or personal meeting rather than a formal event.)
Collocations
official function
|charity function
|attend a function
Themes
social
|business
|daily_life
|relationships
Examples
- We were invited to a charity function at the hotel.
- The mayor will speak at the official function tonight.
- They met at a business function last year.
Learner examples
- I went to a school function yesterday.
- He spoke at a company function.
- They met at a wedding function.
Noun
technical
B2
entity
3
Named code block in programming
In computer programming, a part of code that does one job and can be used again.
Usage pattern:
call a function
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes mix up 'function' with 'command', though they are not always the same.
Synonyms
method (In object-oriented programming, refers to a function associated with an object.)
Antonyms
variable (Stores data rather than performing an action.)
Collocations
define a function
|call a function
|function parameters
Themes
technology
|computing
Examples
- This program has a search function for finding files.
- You can define your own functions in the script.
- The login process is handled by this function.
Learner examples
- I wrote a function to add two numbers.
- This game has a save function.
- We use a print function to show text.
Verb
B1
action
4
Operate or work properly
To work or do what it is supposed to do.
Usage pattern:
[something] functions as [something]
Synonyms
operate (Emphasizes the act of running or being in motion.)
|
work (More informal and general term for operating correctly.)
Antonyms
malfunction (Means to fail to work correctly.)
Collocations
function properly
|function effectively
|no longer functions
Themes
daily life
|technology
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The machine no longer functions after the power surge.
- My phone still functions despite the cracked screen.
- The old elevator doesn't function anymore.
Learner examples
- My watch does not function now.
- This car still functions well.
- The light will not function without power.
Grammar
Dictionary form
function
IPA
GB/fˈʌŋkʃən/
US/fˈʌŋkʃən/
Syllables & stress
func - tion (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (func)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: function
- Plural: function, functions
Verb
- Base: function
- 3rd Person Singular: functions
- Present Participle: functioning
- Past: functioned
Word family
Forms
functions
noun
functioning
verb
functioned
verb
Core family
functional
adjective B1
Related words
functionally
adverb
functionality
noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
Expressions
function as
1/fˈʌŋkʃən ˈæz/
fixed phrase
Serve the role of something else
To do the job of something else.
Examples
- This room functions as both an office and a guest bedroom.
- Her phone functions as her camera when she travels.
in full functioning order
1/ˈɪn fˈʊl fˈʌŋkʃənɪŋ ˈɔɹdɚ/
fixed phrase
Operating completely and correctly
Working fully and without problems.
Examples
- The car was in full functioning order before the trip.
- We need to make sure all systems are in full functioning order.