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utilitarian

 - 3 dictionary results

u⋅til⋅i⋅tar⋅i⋅an

  [yoo-til-i-tair-ee-uhn]
Use utilitarian in a Sentence
–adjective
1. pertaining to or consisting in utility.
2. having regard to utility or usefulness rather than beauty, ornamentation, etc.
3. of, pertaining to, or adhering to the doctrine of utilitarianism.
–noun
4. an adherent of utilitarianism.
Origin:
1775–85; utilit(y) + -arian

Synonyms:
2. practical, useful, functional, sensible.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To utilitarian
u·til·i·tar·i·an   (yōō-tĭl'ĭ-târ'ē-ən)   
adj.  

  1. Of, relating to, or in the interests of utility: utilitarian considerations in industrial design.

  2. Exhibiting or stressing utility over other values; practical: plain, utilitarian kitchenware.

  3. Of, characterized by, or advocating utilitarianism.

n.  One who advocates or practices utilitarianism.

[utilit(y) + -arian.]
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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Word Origin & History

utilitarian 
1781, coined by Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) from utility. One guided by the doctrine of the greatest happiness for the greatest number. Utilitarianism is from 1827.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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