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What is the difference between function and functionality ?
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Here is a list of questions and answers on HiNative about What is the difference between function and functionality ?. HiNative allows you to ask native speakers all about English (US).
2020/12/28
"functionality" is the (capability, suitability, appropriateness) of something to perform a function
Adding "ity" or "ality" extracts the (properties, qualities, features, essence) of something.
The main function of the truck is to carry heavy loads.
The misfiring engine reduced the functionality of the truck.
(the misfiring engine reduced the truck's ability to perform the function of carrying heavy loads)
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for example)
The power cable's funtionality is to carry electricity. But they do not fuction properly in a wet condition.
would that sound natural?
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@choiji07
The power cable's function is to carry electricity.
But their functionality is reduced in wet conditions.
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The power cable's function is to carry electricity.
But, its functionality is reduced in wet conditions.
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2019/10/17
The function of an air-con is to keep a room cold.
An air-con's functionality is to keep a room cold.
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Function refers to the action a thing performs or is intended to perform
Functionality refers to the capability and suitability of a thing
- The bridge serves the function of allowing cars and trucks to cross the river.
- With increased traffic volume, the functionality of the bridge is insufficient to current demand.
- We have added new functionality to the software. It now allow donors to make contributions through a secured portal.
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2019/08/21
The subtle difference between the two words is this: functionality refers to the capability and suitability of a thing, whereas function refers, without value judgment, to the action a thing performs or is intended to perform.
The bridge serves the function of allowing cars and trucks to cross the river.
bridges perform the functionality of providing access across water.
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Thank you so much!
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Function ~ both noun and verb
e.g.
The function (noun) of a pen is to write.
This pen is not functioning (verb) properly.
Functionality ~ only noun
e.g.
The functionality of pens is to write.
The functionality of an engine determines its market demand.
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2017/11/29
Functionality is how well something works to serve a function
A function is an intended activity or purpose
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The function we all we to was fun! We had a great time at the function. Or, we learned a lot at that function. (It’s a gathering of people, small or large) It can also mean something is working well. It can also mean the new stove is functioning well. (It’s doing what it’s meant to do)
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2020/11/22
@Ryuki_Ricky Function te be performed or an action of a thing or is intended to perform whereas functionality refers to the capability and suitability of a thing
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@LearningGermanDude Thank you! So functionality is kind of related to "ability" as the word itself suggests...? Also, one thing I am not yet sure is that in case of referring to some function of the software like "alarming function" or "automatic sleep function", should I use function or functionality?
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@Ryuki_Ricky depends on how you construct the sentence. For instance, "Is my alarm FUNCTIONing?", most of the time when you refer it to a software "function" is more applicable. If you want to use "Functionality" in a sentence with a software it would be like this: "The cameras are comparable in price and FUNCTIONALITY".
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@LearningGermanDude Thank you! Functionality seems like a more upper layer concept. Function is more applicable in most of the time...very good to know that. Thanks!
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2022/04/07
@Pacos function is what something does.
functionality is how well it does it
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@LuvStephanie So I can say that this machine has multiple functions. I was testing its functionality the other day.
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2022/02/03
function
-purpose of a thing
-what is it intended for
functionality
-capability or suitability of a thing -how functional that thing is
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