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Nota: A tradução desta entrada está atualmente em revisão de qualidade, portanto parte do conteúdo é exibida temporariamente apenas em inglês.

Este verbete ainda não foi traduzido para o seu idioma, portanto o original é exibido abaixo.

functions

The natural purpose or duty of something. / A formal social gathering or ceremony. / A mathematical relationship between inputs and outputs. / A specific set of instructions in a computer program. / To work or operate in a particular way. / To serve a specific purpose or role.

/ˈfʌŋkʃənz/

Intransitive Verb[C] Countable
pl: functionspast: functionedpp: functioneding: functioning

The word centers on the concept of utility and purpose. Whether describing a biological organ, a piece of software, or a person's role, it implies a specific job that must be performed for a system to work correctly.

In social contexts, "functions" carries a formal, often stiff connotation. It suggests an event driven by protocol, duty, or professional networking rather than casual leisure or genuine friendship.

When used as a verb, it emphasizes the state of operationality. To say something "functions" is less about its design and more about whether it actually works in practice, often used to contrast with being broken or dysfunctional.

Countable whether referring to a specific biological purpose ('the functions of the liver'), a social event ('attending several gala functions'), or a mathematical expression ('linear and quadratic functions').

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Leo is in his room gaming while David is at the office.
David Smith

Does your new GPU actually functions as advertised or is it a bust?

David Smith
Leo Smith
Leo Smith

it's cracked dad, stop trying to sound techy.

💡
David attempts to use professional terminology but fails grammatically (using 'functions' as a verb in an incorrect form), while Leo uses the slang term 'cracked' to mean exceptionally good or high-performing.

Meanings

Noun

The natural purpose or duty of something.

It has functions.

Noun

A mathematical relationship between inputs and outputs.

Study functions.

Noun

A specific set of instructions in a computer program.

Write functions.

Intransitive Verb

To work or operate in a particular way.

It functions.

Intransitive VerbTo serve a specific purpose or role.
[~ as something]

It functions as a tool.

functions

Examples

The liver performs several vital functions to keep the body healthy.

The liver performs several vital functions to keep the body healthy.

Health

I cannot believe I have to attend three different functions this weekend.

Business

The software includes several new functions for data analysis.

The software includes several new functions for data analysis.

Office

Does this old printer even functions anymore?

Does this old printer even functions anymore?

This small room functions as a temporary library for the students.

This small room functions as a temporary library for the students.

School Life

The magic crystal functions as a key to the hidden temple.

Fantasy

We need to determine the inverse of these mathematical functions.

We need to determine the inverse of these mathematical functions.

School Life

The city council organizes various public functions throughout the year.

I wonder if the security system still functions after the power outage.

Detective

Collocations & Compounds

vital functions

Noun collocation: the essential processes necessary for survival

The medical team fought to maintain the patient's vital functions.

social functions

Noun collocation: gatherings for networking or celebration

The ambassador's calendar is filled with various social functions.

piecewise functions

Noun collocation: mathematical functions defined by multiple sub-functions

The calculus professor explained how to differentiate piecewise functions.

function properly

Verb collocation: to operate correctly and as intended

function as

Verb collocation: to serve a specific purpose or role

Phrasal Verbs

function as

to serve the purpose or role of something else

Etymology

Related Words

Última atualização: May 2026Reportar um erro