1. Plural of functionalist; people who believe that the purpose or function of something is its most important feature, or that social institutions exist because they serve necessary functions in society.
Usage: Often used in academic contexts, particularly in sociology, psychology, and philosophy.
2. In philosophy of mind, theorists who hold that mental states are defined by their functional roles (what they do) rather than by their physical composition.
Usage: Technical term used in cognitive science and philosophy.
3. In architecture and design, advocates of functionalism, the principle that form should follow function and aesthetic value should derive from utility.
Usage: Used in art history and design criticism.

Examples

• Sociological functionalists argue that education systems help maintain social order.
• The functionalists in the debate claimed that consciousness serves an evolutionary purpose.
• Modern functionalists in architecture reject unnecessary ornamentation.
• Functionalists believe that institutions persist because they fulfill important social needs.
• Some functionalists in cognitive science compare the mind to a computer program.
• The designers were functionalists who prioritized usability over decoration.