utilitarian — designed to be useful or practical rather than attractive
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: designed to be useful or practical rather than attractive
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌjuːtɪlɪˈteriən/
Example Sentences
- My grandmother's utilitarian cooking style: if it doesn't fill your belly, it's not worth making!
- The office furniture was completely utilitarian - comfortable as sitting on a rock.
- From a utilitarian perspective, the new policy would benefit the majority of citizens.
utilitarian
ADJECTIVE[/ˌjuːtɪlɪˈteriən/]
designed to be useful or practical rather than attractive
His utilitarian backpack has zero style but fits everything he needs for the trip.
The vegetarian feeds the librarian with utilitarian care!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From the Latin 'utilis' meaning 'useful' combined with the suffix '-itarian' (one who advocates or practices something). The term was popularized in the 18th-19th centuries to describe the philosophical principle that actions should be judged by their usefulness or practical benefit.
Breakdown
utili- (from Latin utilis, useful) + -tarian (one who advocates) = utilitarian
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My grandmother's utilitarian cooking style: if it doesn't fill your belly, it's not worth making!”
“The office furniture was completely utilitarian - comfortable as sitting on a rock.”
“From a utilitarian perspective, the new policy would benefit the majority of citizens.”
“Her utilitarian wardrobe consisted of black pants, white shirts, and comfortable shoes.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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