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functionalism - 3 dictionary results

func⋅tion⋅al⋅ism

  [fuhngk-shuh-nl-iz-uhm]
Use functionalism in a Sentence
–noun
1. (usually initial capital letter) Chiefly Architecture, Furniture.
a. a design movement evolved from several previous movements or schools in Europe in the early 20th century, advocating the design of buildings, furnishings, etc., as direct fulfillments of material requirements, as for shelter, repose, or the serving of food, with the construction, materials, and purpose clearly expressed or at least not denied, and with aesthetic effect derived chiefly from proportions and finish, purely decorative effects being excluded or greatly subordinated.
b. the doctrines and practices associated with this movement. Compare rationalism (def. 4).
2. Psychology. the doctrine that emphasizes the adaptiveness of the mental or behavioral processes.
3. Sociology. Also called structural functionalism. a theoretical orientation that views society as a system of interdependent parts whose functions contribute to the stability and survival of the system.
Origin:
1910–15; functional + -ism
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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func·tion·al·ism   (fŭngk'shə-nə-lĭz'əm)   
n.  
  1. The doctrine that the function of an object should determine its design and materials.
  2. A doctrine stressing purpose, practicality, and utility.
  3. Philosophy The doctrine in the philosophy of mind according to which mental states are defined by their causes and effects.
func'tion·al·ist' adj. & n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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functionalism

An approach to architecture that adapts the design of a building or other structure to its future use. Walter Gropius and Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe were notable advocates of functionalism in the twentieth century.

The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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