Function and Cause

function

Mathematics) a mathematical relation such that each element of a given set (the domain of the function) is associated with an element of another set (the range of the function. ()
- synonyms: mathematical function, single-valued function, map, mapping
What something is used for.
- usage: "the function of an auger is to bore holes"; "ballet is beautiful but what use is it"
- synonyms: purpose, role, use
The actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group.
- usage: "the function of a teacher"; "the government must do its part"; "play its role"
- synonyms: office, part, role
A relation such that one thing is dependent on another.
- usage: "height is a function of age"; "price is a function of supply and demand"
A formal or official social gathering or ceremony.
- usage: "it was a black-tie function"
A vaguely specified social event.
- usage: "the party was quite an affair"; "an occasion arranged to honor the president"; "a seemingly endless round of social functions"
- synonyms: affair, occasion, social occasion, social function
A set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program.
- synonyms: routine, subroutine, subprogram, procedure

Perform as expected when applied.
- usage: "The washing machine won't go unless it's plugged in"; "Does this old car still run well"; "This old radio doesn't work anymore"
- synonyms: work, operate, go, run
Serve a purpose, role, or function.
- usage: "The tree stump serves as a table"; "The female students served as a control group"; "This table would serve very well"; "His freedom served him well"; "The table functions as a desk"
- synonyms: serve
Perform duties attached to a particular office or place or function.
- usage: "His wife officiated as his private secretary"
- synonyms: officiate

(v.i.) Alternative of Functionate.
(n.) The course of action which peculiarly pertains to any public officer in church or state; the activity appropriate to any business or profession.
(n.) A quantity so connected with another quantity, that if any alteration be made in the latter there will be a consequent alteration in the former. Each quantity is said to be a function of the other. Thus, the circumference of a circle is a function of the diameter. If x be a symbol to which different numerical values can be assigned, such expressions as x2, 3x, Log. x, and Sin. x, are all functions of x.
(n.) The act of executing or performing any duty, office or calling; per formance.
(n.) The appropriate action of any special organ or part of an animal or vegetable organism; as, the function of the heart or the limbs; the function of leaves, sap, roots, etc.; life is the sum of the functions of the various organs and parts of the body.
(n.) The natural or assigned action of any power or faculty, as of the soul or of the intellect; the exertion of an energy of some determinate kind.
(n.) A public or social ceremony or gathering; a festivity or entertainment, especially one somewhat formal.
(n.) A religious ceremony, especially one particularly impressive and elaborate.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

cause

Events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something.
- usage: "they are trying to determine the cause of the crash"
A justification for something existing or happening.
- usage: "he had no cause to complain"; "they had good reason to rejoice"
- synonyms: reason, grounds
A series of actions advancing a principle or tending toward a particular end.
- usage: "he supported populist campaigns"; "they worked in the cause of world peace"; "the team was ready for a drive toward the pennant"; "the movement to end slavery"; "contributed to the war effort"
- synonyms: campaign, crusade, drive, movement, effort
Any entity that produces an effect or is responsible for events or results.
- synonyms: causal agent, causal agency
A comprehensive term for any proceeding in a court of law whereby an individual seeks a legal remedy.
- usage: "the family brought suit against the landlord"
- synonyms: lawsuit, suit, case, causa

Give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally.
- usage: "cause a commotion"; "make a stir"; "cause an accident"
- synonyms: do, make
Cause to do; cause to act in a specified manner.
- usage: "The ads induced me to buy a VCR"; "My children finally got me to buy a computer"; "My wife made me buy a new sofa"
- synonyms: induce, stimulate, have, get, make

(v.) Sake; interest; advantage.
(v.) A suit or action in court; any legal process by which a party endeavors to obtain his claim or what he regards as his right; case; ground of action.
(v.) That which is the occasion of an action or state; ground; reason; motive; as, cause for rejoicing.
(v.) That which produces or effects a result; that from which anything proceeds, and without which it would not exist.
(n.) To effect as an agent; to produce; to be the occasion of; to bring about; to bring into existence; to make; -- usually followed by an infinitive, sometimes by that with a finite verb.
(v.) The side of a question, which is espoused, advocated, and upheld by a person or party; a principle which is advocated; that which a person or party seeks to attain.
(v.i.) To assign or show cause; to give a reason; to make excuse.
(v.) Any subject of discussion or debate; matter; question; affair in general.
(conj.) Abbreviation of Because.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary