Functional
/ˈfʌŋkʃənəl/noun
Designed or operating to serve a practical purpose.
Did you know?Functional ultimately comes from Latin fungi, “to perform or discharge,” while the seemingly related word “fungus” comes from a different Latin root.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰuHg-
“To enjoy, have the use of, or make use of.”
Classical Latin
Latin
fungī
“To perform, discharge, or carry out a duty.”
Late Latin
Latin
functiō
“A performance, execution, or discharge of an office or duty.”
16th Century
French
fonctionnel
“Related to a function or practical operation.”
17th Century
English
functional
“Pertaining to a function or useful purpose.”
Modern English
English
functional
“Practical, useful, or operating as intended.”