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📖
Featured Word C1

functional (adjective)

Functional describes something that is designed to be practical and useful rather than attractive or decorative. It can also refer to something that is working or operating in the intended way, particularly in technical or academic contexts.

💬 Example

"The apartment is small and sparsely furnished, but every piece of furniture is highly functional."

💡 Memory Tip

Think of FUNC-tional as 'FUN to use because it actually works'. If a machine is functional, it functions well.

🏛️ Origin

🔗 Synonyms
practical utilitarian operational working efficient
⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using 'dysfunctional' to describe a broken machine. → Using 'non-functional' or 'broken'.

Describing a capable person as 'functional' in casual conversation. → Describing them as 'competent', 'capable', or 'effective'.

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