Library / English Dictionary

UTILITARIAN

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (noun) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Someone who believes that the value of a thing depends on its utility

Classified under:

Nouns denoting people

Hypernyms ("utilitarian" is a kind of...):

moralist (a philosopher who specializes in morals and moral problems)

Derivation:

utilitarian (having a useful function)

 II. (adjective) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Having a useful function

Example:

utilitarian steel tables

Synonyms:

useful; utilitarian

Classified under:

Adjectives

Similar:

functional (designed for or capable of a particular function or use)

Derivation:

utilitarian (someone who believes that the value of a thing depends on its utility)

utility (the quality of being of practical use)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Having utility often to the exclusion of values

Example:

plain utilitarian kitchenware

Classified under:

Adjectives

Similar:

useful; utile (being of use or service)

Derivation:

utility (the quality of being of practical use)

Credits