Funcionaron

Funcionar is a Spanish verb meaning to operate, to work, or to function. It is a regular -ar verb, and its forms follow the standard pattern for this class. The word funcionaron is the pretérito perfecto simple (simple past) form for the third person plural: ellos, ellas, or ustedes. It is used to indicate that something operated or worked in the past and has completed that action.

Usage and meaning

Funcionar is typically used for machines, devices, systems, or processes to indicate that they run as intended. It can also be used metaphorically to mean that plans, policies, or organizational schemes worked or were effective. The verb is intransitive and usually appears with a subject referring to the thing that operates, sometimes followed by adverbs like bien or mal to describe how it performed.

Conjugation note

Funcionaron is one of several past forms of funcionar. Other common past forms include funcionó (él/ella/usted), funcionaron (ellos/ellas/ustedes), and funcioné (yo). The present tense forms include funciona, funcionan, and funcionamos, among others.

Examples

- Las máquinas funcionaron correctamente durante toda la prueba.

- Después de la reparación, los sistemas funcionaron sin problemas.

- Los planes funcionaron como se esperaba.

Etymology

Funcionar derives from la función (function) and the noun form with the -ar verb suffix, linking to the Latin concept of performing or executing an action. The sense of operating something correctly developed through usage in technical and everyday language.