English noun: function | |||
1. | function (mathematics) a mathematical relation such that each element of a given set (the domain of the function) is associated with an element of another set (the range of the function) | ||
Synonyms | map, mapping, mathematical function, single-valued function | ||
Broader (hypernym) | mathematical relation | ||
Narrower (hyponym) | circular function, expansion, exponential, exponential function, inverse function, isometry, Kronecker delta, metric, metric function, multinomial, operator, polynomial, threshold function, transformation, trigonometric function | ||
Domain category | math, mathematics, maths | ||
2. | function (attribute) what something is used for | ||
Samples | The function of an auger is to bore holes. Ballet is beautiful but what use is it?. | ||
Synonyms | purpose, role, use | ||
Broader (hypernym) | usefulness, utility | ||
Narrower (hyponym) | raison d'etre | ||
Attribute | functional, nonfunctional | ||
3. | function (act) the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group | ||
Samples | The function of a teacher. The government must do its part. Play its role. | ||
Synonyms | office, part, role | ||
Broader (hypernym) | duty | ||
Narrower (hyponym) | capacity, hat, lieu, place, portfolio, position, second fiddle, stead | ||
4. | function a relation such that one thing is dependent on another | ||
Samples | Height is a function of age. Price is a function of supply and demand. | ||
Broader (hypernym) | relation | ||
5. | function (group) a formal or official social gathering or ceremony | ||
Samples | It was a black-tie function. | ||
Broader (hypernym) | social affair, social gathering | ||
6. | function (event) a vaguely specified social event | ||
Samples | The party was quite an affair. An occasion arranged to honor the president. A seemingly endless round of social functions. | ||
Synonyms | affair, occasion, social function, social occasion | ||
Broader (hypernym) | social event | ||
Narrower (hyponym) | celebration, ceremonial, ceremonial occasion, ceremony, fundraiser, jubilation, observance, party, photo op, photo opportunity, sleepover | ||
7. | function (communication) a set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program | ||
Synonyms | procedure, routine, subprogram, subroutine | ||
Broader (hypernym) | computer software, package, software, software package, software program, software system | ||
Narrower (hyponym) | cataloged procedure, contingency procedure, executive routine, library routine, random number generator, recursive routine, reusable routine, service routine, supervisory routine, tracing routine, utility routine | ||
Part meronym | computer program, computer programme, program, programme | ||
English verb: function | |||
1. | function (contact) perform as expected when applied | ||
Samples | The washing machine won't go unless it's plugged in. Does this old car still run well?. This old radio doesn't work anymore. | ||
Examples | These cars won't function | ||
Synonyms | go, operate, run, work | ||
Pattern of use | Something ----s | ||
Narrower (hyponym) | cut, double, roll, run, serve, service | ||
Verb group | run, work | ||
Antonyms | malfunction, misfunction | ||
2. | function (stative) serve a purpose, role, or function | ||
Samples | The tree stump serves as a table. The female students served as a control group. This table would serve very well. His freedom served him well. The table functions as a desk. | ||
Synonyms | serve | ||
Pattern of use | Something ----s. Somebody ----s. Somebody ----s somebody. Something ----s something | ||
Broader (hypernym) | answer, do, serve, suffice | ||
Narrower (hyponym) | act as, prelude | ||
Verb group | serve, service | ||
3. | function (competition) perform duties attached to a particular office or place or function | ||
Samples | His wife officiated as his private secretary. | ||
Synonyms | officiate | ||
Pattern of use | Somebody ----s. Somebody ----s PP | ||
Broader (hypernym) | serve | ||