function

The job that someone or something is meant to do.

• What is this button's function?
• The heart's main function is to pump blood.
• These tools have several different functions.

How to use it: the function of something is to do something (The function of this button is to open the door.)

Similar words: purpose, role, job

Common phrases: main function, perform a function, function of something, serve a function

An arranged social event, often involving many people.

• The hall is available for functions.
• We met at a school function.
• She attends many official functions as mayor.

Similar words: event, gathering

Common phrases: social function, official function, attend a function, charity function

A mathematical rule that gives exactly one output value for each input value.

• This function doubles every input.
• We plotted the function on a graph.
• Different functions can give the same output for one input.

Similar words: map, mapping, operator, transformation

Common phrases: linear function, function of x, plot a function, continuous function

Something whose amount or nature depends on another thing.

• Price is a function of demand.
• Your pension is partly a function of your salary.
• Success is often a function of effort and opportunity.

How to use it: be a function of something (The cost is a function of the distance travelled.)

Similar words: result

Common phrases: a function of, largely a function, partly a function

To work or operate, as a machine, body part, or system should.

• The machine still functions.
• Her kidneys are functioning normally.
• Can the system function without electricity?

Similar words: work, operate

Opposites: malfunction

Common phrases: function properly, function normally, function well, continue to function

To do the job or serve the purpose of a particular thing.

• This box functions as a seat.
• The hall once functioned as a hospital.
• These words function as adjectives in this sentence.

How to use it: function as something (The spare room functions as an office.)

Similar words: serve as, act as

Common phrases: function as something, function as a, function as an