functionalism

[ fuhngk-shuh-nl-iz-uhm ]

noun

1. (usually initial capital letter) Chiefly Architecture, Furniture.
   1. 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.
   2. 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.

functionalism

/ ˈfʌŋkʃənəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. the theory of design that the form of a thing should be determined by its use
2. any doctrine that stresses utility or purpose
3. psychol a system of thought based on the premise that all mental processes derive from their usefulness to the organism in adapting to the environment

functionalism

1. 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.

Derived Forms

• ˈfunctionalist, nounadjective

Other Words From

• semi·function·al·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of functionalism¹

First recorded in 1910–15; functional + -ism

Example Sentences

It had a certain pleasing severity, the unconscious balance of complete functionalism.

From Project Gutenberg

In this final chapter, it is proposed to deal with the question of the positive value of functionalism as a working hypothesis.

From Project Gutenberg

Commercialism is simply a label for functionalism, and all great artists produce functional art.

From Project Gutenberg