Function and Need

noun

• 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

verb

• 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.

noun

• A condition requiring relief.
  • usage: "she satisfied his need for affection"; "God has no need of men to accomplish His work"; "there is a demand for jobs"
  • synonyms: demand
• Anything that is necessary but lacking.
  • usage: "he had sufficient means to meet his simple needs"; "I tried to supply his wants"
  • synonyms: want
• The psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior.
  • usage: "we did not understand his motivation"; "he acted with the best of motives"
  • synonyms: motivation, motive
• A state of extreme poverty or destitution.
  • usage: "their indigence appalled him"; "a general state of need exists among the homeless"
  • synonyms: indigence, penury, pauperism, pauperization

verb

• Require as useful, just, or proper.
  • usage: "It takes nerve to do what she did"; "success usually requires hard work"; "This job asks a lot of patience and skill"; "This position demands a lot of personal sacrifice"; "This dinner calls for a spectacular dessert"; "This intervention does not postulate a patient's consent"
  • synonyms: necessitate, ask, postulate, require, take, involve, call for, demand
• Have need of.
  • usage: "This piano wants the attention of a competent tuner"
  • synonyms: want, require
• Have or feel a need for.
  • usage: "always needing friends and money"

• (adv.) Of necessity. See Needs.
• (n.) A state that requires supply or relief; pressing occasion for something; necessity; urgent want.
• (v.i.) To be wanted; to be necessary.
• (n.) Want of the means of subsistence; poverty; indigence; destitution.
• (n.) That which is needful; anything necessary to be done; (pl.) necessary things; business.
• (n.) Situation of need; peril; danger.
• (n.) To be in want of; to have cause or occasion for; to lack; to require, as supply or relief.
• (adv.) Of necessity. See Needs.
• (v.i.) To be wanted; to be necessary.
• (n.) That which is needful; anything necessary to be done; (pl.) necessary things; business.
• (n.) A state that requires supply or relief; pressing occasion for something; necessity; urgent want.
• (n.) To be in want of; to have cause or occasion for; to lack; to require, as supply or relief.
• (n.) Situation of need; peril; danger.
• (n.) Want of the means of subsistence; poverty; indigence; destitution.

Need is the difference between a student's resources (the estimated family contribution and outside resources, such as scholarships) and the cost of attendance of a school.