Utilitarian
Adjective
Definition: Designed to be practical and useful rather than attractive or comfortable; focusing on usefulness and efficiency.
Synonyms: Functional, Practical, Efficient
Antonyms: Luxurious, Ornamental, Decorative
- The utilitarian design of the building prioritized functionality over aesthetics.
- The utilitarian approach to problem-solving focuses on finding the most efficient solution.
- 'Utilitarian' can be associated with the word 'utility', highlighting its emphasis on practicality and usefulness.
- Think of someone who always values efficiency and practicality in their choices as a utilitarian.
Etymology:
The word 'utilitarian' originated from the Latin word 'utilitas', meaning usefulness or advantage.
Historical Usage:The term 'utilitarian' was first coined by British philosopher Jeremy Bentham in the late 18th century. It gained popularity as a philosophical and ethical concept during the 19th century.
Related Idioms:
"Utilitarianism"
Explanation:Refers to a philosophical theory that advocates for actions that maximize overall happiness or utility for the greatest number of people.
Misconceptions:
Confusing 'utilitarian' with 'utilize'.
Explanation:'Utilitarian' refers to something practical and focused on efficiency, while 'utilize' means to make use of or employ. These are two distinct words with different meanings and usage.