utilitarian
/ˌjuːtɪlɪˈteəriən/ (bre, ipa) · [jutˌɪlətˈɛriən] /ˌjuːtɪlɪˈteriən/ (ame, ipa) · [jutˌɪlətˈɛriən] /(ˌ)yü-ˌti-lə-ˈter-ē-ən How to pronounce utilitarian (audio)/ (ame, mw)
utilitarian — 形容詞
- utilitarianpositive
- more utilitariancomparative
- most utilitariansuperlative
1. made or chosen because it works well for a purpose, not because it is beautiful
實用的
以實用而非美觀為主的
made or chosen because it works well for a purpose, not because it is beautiful or fashionable
The hospital bought simple, utilitarian furniture that was easy to clean.
醫院購買了簡單實用的家具，方便清潔。
utilitarian + noun describing furniture
Karim chose a utilitarian backpack with many pockets instead of a fashionable leather bag.
Karim 選擇了一個有很多口袋的實用背包，而不是時尚的皮包。
contrast between utilitarian and fashionable
The building's design was purely utilitarian, with no decorations on the walls.
這棟建築的設計純粹以實用為主，牆上沒有任何裝飾。
Pedro preferred utilitarian clothing that kept him warm and dry over stylish outfits.
Pedro 喜歡實用、能保暖乾爽的衣服，勝過時尚的服飾。
The kitchen had a utilitarian layout that made cooking and cleaning very efficient.
廚房的實用規劃讓烹飪和清潔都非常有效率。
- practical
more general; utilitarian emphasises usefulness over appearance more strongly
- functional
focuses on working properly; utilitarian adds a sense of plainness
- serviceable
adequate for a purpose; slightly more formal
- no-nonsense
informal; suggests directness and lack of decoration
- decorative
meant to be attractive rather than useful
- ornamental
serving only as decoration
- fancy
elaborate and visually appealing
文法句型
utilitarian + noun
be + utilitarian
用法筆記
Most often used before nouns (attributive position). Frequently contrasted with terms for appearance such as 'decorative', 'ornamental', or 'stylish'.
常見錯誤
2. relating to the ethical theory that the best action is the one which brings the
功利主義的
主張最大幸福原則的
relating to the ethical theory that the best action is the one which brings the greatest happiness to the greatest number of people
The senator's utilitarian argument focused on policies that would benefit the largest population.
這位參議員的功利主義論點，聚焦於能造福最大多數人的政策。
utilitarian + abstract noun: argument
Sofia wrote her thesis on utilitarian ethics and how they apply to modern healthcare decisions.
Sofia 的論文主題是功利主義倫理學，以及它如何應用於現代醫療決策。
collocation: utilitarian ethics
A utilitarian view of charity asks which programmes save the most lives with limited money.
功利主義的慈善觀，會探討哪些方案能用有限的資金挽救最多生命。
Nikhil found utilitarian thinking useful when deciding how to distribute funds among different projects.
Nikhil 發現，在決定如何在不同的專案之間分配資金時，功利主義思維很有幫助。
- consequentialist
broader ethical category; utilitarianism is one type of consequentialist theory
- deontological
relating to duty-based ethics, contrasted with consequence-based utilitarianism
文法句型
utilitarian + abstract noun
用法筆記
Appears before abstract nouns such as 'ethics', 'philosophy', 'approach', 'view', and 'thinking'. Distinguish from sense 1 (adjective — DESIGNED FOR USE), which describes physical objects rather than ethical systems.
常見錯誤
utilitarian — 名詞
1. someone whose thinking follows the ethical belief that actions should bring the
功利主義者
支持功利主義的人
someone whose thinking follows the ethical belief that actions should bring the most happiness to the most people
As a utilitarian, Amelia believes that laws should create the most good for the most people.
作為一個功利主義者，Amelia 認為法律應該為大多數人創造最大的利益。
pattern: as a + utilitarian
The debate between the utilitarian and the rights theorist lasted for several hours.
功利主義者與權利理論家之間的辯論，持續了好幾個小時。
article: the + utilitarian (specific person)
Leo became a utilitarian after studying philosophy at university and reading the classic texts.
Leo 在大學讀了哲學並閱讀了經典文本之後，成為了一名功利主義者。
A utilitarian might argue that building the hospital benefits more people than building a park.
功利主義者可能會主張，建造醫院比建造公園能造福更多人。
Some critics say a utilitarian would be willing to sacrifice individual rights for group happiness.
有些批評者認為，功利主義者為了群體幸福，願意犧牲個人權利。
- consequentialist
broader category; all utilitarians are consequentialists, but not all consequentialists are utilitarians
- deontologist
someone who follows duty-based ethics rather than consequence-based ethics
文法句型
a + utilitarian
the + utilitarian
用法筆記
Countable noun. Refers to someone familiar with the philosophical theory of utilitarianism, not merely a person who prefers practical solutions — for the latter meaning, use 'pragmatic person' or 'practical person' instead.