utilitarian
/juːˌtɪlɪˈtɛːɹi.ən/
Group 8Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Designed to be useful or practical rather than attractive; relating to utilitarianism GRE
Example in Context
The architect's utilitarian design prioritized function and energy efficiency over the aesthetic flourishes that had defined the firm's earlier work.
Synonyms
practicalfunctionaluseful
Etymology
Relates to practicality and usefulness over aesthetics.
- utilis (Latin) — useful
Memory Aid
🔧Sounds like “utility terran”
A superhero named Utility Terran saves the day with boring but USEFUL gadgets — he’s UTILITARIAN!
Visual Association
🛠️A Swiss Army knife with multiple tools, each one practical and ready for any situation.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “utilitarian” mean on the GRE?
utilitarian (adjective) means “Designed to be useful or practical rather than attractive; relating to utilitarianism”. The architect's utilitarian design prioritized function and energy efficiency over the aesthetic flourishes that had defined the firm's earlier work.
How to remember “utilitarian” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “utilitarian” sounds like “utility terran”. A superhero named Utility Terran saves the day with boring but USEFUL gadgets — he’s UTILITARIAN!
What are synonyms for “utilitarian”?
Common synonyms: practical, functional, useful.