funkcionális

Funkcionális is a Hungarian adjective meaning related to function or designed to fulfill a purpose. In general use it denotes an emphasis on usefulness and operation over appearance, describing objects, systems, or concepts that prioritize their role and performance.

The term appears across many disciplines. In everyday language it is used for practical design and usability, such as a “funkcionális” layout that optimizes space or a device whose features are chosen for practical function. In science and engineering, it references functional requirements, analyses, and testing that focus on what a system should be able to do. In mathematics and computer science, “funkcionális” translates the concept of a function—most notably functional analysis in mathematics and functional programming in software development, where computations rely on pure functions and immutability.

In architecture and design, funkcionális describes a functionalist approach in which form follows function, advocating rational planning, simplicity, and efficiency. In sociology and anthropology, functionalism is a theoretical lens that explains social institutions by the roles they play within a larger system. In medicine and physiology, the adjective is used to describe aspects tied to performance or use, such as functional capacity or functional testing.

Etymology-wise, funkcionális is a direct Hungarian adoption from Latin-based terminology for function. It occurs in related forms such as funkcionális analízis (functional analysis) or funkcionális programozás (functional programming).