好词典

utilitarian

UK //juːˌtɪl.ɪˈteə.ri.ən//US //juːˌtɪl.əˈter.i.ən//

词源

源自18世纪英语,基于utility(效用)一词,受功利主义哲学(utilitarianism)影响。

adjective

❶ 指以实用性和功能为主要考虑,而不注重美观或装饰的设计或物品。强调简单、实用和经济性。

“The furniture in the office is purely utilitarian, designed for efficiency rather than style.”

(办公室的家具纯粹是实用性的,设计注重效率而非风格。)

“She prefers utilitarian clothing that is comfortable and durable.”

(她更喜欢舒适耐穿的实用型服装。)

同义词:practical, functional, pragmatic

noun

❶ 指信奉功利主义哲学的人,认为行为的好坏取决于其带来的幸福或效用。

“As a utilitarian, he believes policies should maximize happiness for the greatest number.”

(作为一名功利主义者,他认为政策应该为最多数人带来最大的幸福。)

“The utilitarian argued that the action was justified because it benefited society.”

(这位功利主义者辩称该行为是合理的,因为它对社会有益。)

同义词:pragmatist, consequentialist

常见短语

utilitarian approach — 指一种以实际效果和实用性为导向的处理问题的方法,通常不考虑情感或美学因素。

“The company took a utilitarian approach to the issue, focusing solely on cost savings.”

(公司对这个问题采取了功利主义的方法,只关注成本节约。)