2 syllables: func, tions. Stress on func.
FUHNGK-shuhnz
/ˈfʌŋkʃənz/
functions is pronounced FUHNGK-shuhnz (/ˈfʌŋkʃənz/). It has two syllables (func-tions), with the stress on "func". Functions refers to the plural noun or verb form relating to the purpose of something or to mathematical relations that map inputs to outputs. In everyday use, it can describe purposes, roles, or operations, and in math/computer contexts it denotes a relation or procedure that takes inputs to produce outputs. The term can also denote specialized features in devices or systems.
Functions refers to the plural noun or verb form relating to the purpose of something or to mathematical relations that map inputs to outputs. In everyday use, it can describe purposes, roles, or operations, and in math/computer contexts it denotes a relation or procedure that takes inputs to produce outputs. The term can also denote specialized features in devices or systems.
"The functions of the new policy include improving transparency and accountability."
"In programming, a function returns a value after processing its inputs."
"The calculator's functions include sine, cosine, and tangent operations."
You pronounce it as /ˈfʌŋk.ʃənz/ (US/UK/AU). The primary stress is on the first syllable: FUNK-tionz. Start with /f/ then /ʌ/ (like ‘cup’), then /ŋ/ (velar nasal) before /k/ and /ʃ/ blended as /ʃənz/. End with a voiced /z/ in most contexts. Mouth position: lips neutral to light rounding, tongue high back for /ʌ/ish, soft palate active, tip of the tongue behind the upper teeth for /n/. Audio references: you can hear /ˈfʌŋk.ʃənz/ in pronunciation resources like Forvo or YouGlish.
Two common errors: (1) misplacing the /ŋk/ cluster, say /fʌn kənz/ or /fʌŋkənz/ without the tight /k/ release before /ʃ/. (2) turning /ɔ/ or /ɒ/ into an inaccurate schwa before the -tions; many speakers insert extra vowels. Correction: ensure the /ŋk/ is a single sequence before /ʃ/ with a short, clipped /k/ release into /ʃ/; keep /ʃ/ as a single sound before /ənz/. Practice saying FUNK + SHUNZ quickly in sequence: FUNK- SHUNZ.
Across US, UK, and AU, the core /ˈfʌŋk.ʃənz/ remains, but vowel quality shifts: US often has a shorter /ʌ/ in stressed syllable; UK may have a lighter /ɜː/ in some dialects? Generally, British and Australian keep /ʌ/ in FUNK, with non-rhoticity affecting surrounding vowels in connected speech, but this word itself retains the /z/ ending. Australians may exhibit less fronted /ʌ/ and slightly broader vowel quality but the overall rhythm and consonant cluster remain: FUNK- SHUNZ.
The difficulty lies in the consonant cluster /ŋk/ followed quickly by /ʃ/ and then /ənz/. The transition from /ŋ/ to /k/ to /ʃ/ demands precise timing and place of articulation; many speakers insert a vowel or flatten the /ʃ/ into /s/ or /tʃ/. Pay attention to the /ŋk/ release into /ʃ/ and keep the /ənz/ unstressed and clipped. IPA cues: /ˈfʌŋk.ʃənz/: ensure the /ŋ/ is velar and not dental; keep /ʃ/ distinct and avoid vowel intrusion.
A unique point is the quick, almost seamless transition from the /ŋk/ sequence into the /ʃ/ sound, creating a two-fricative-like effect: /ŋk.ʃ/. You should practice linking: FUNK + SHUNZ without inserting extra vowels. Also ensure final /z/ is voiced and not devoiced in connected speech.
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The word function comes from Middle English functionen, influenced by Old French fonction and Latin functionem, from fungere ‘to perform, perform a duty,’ ultimately from Latin fungus ‘performing’ or ‘to perform a function.’ In mathematics and logic, its sense of a mapping from inputs to outputs developed in the 17th–18th centuries with the growth of calculus and analytic geometry, where relations and rules describe how one quantity depends on another. In stagecraft and IT, the term expanded to denote operations or procedures enabled by a device or program. The plural form functions is used across disciplines, including mathematics, programming, and daily language, to describe multiple roles, procedures, or mapping rules. First known use in English stems from late medieval borrowings into Middle English, aligning with the sense of designated or performed duties, later evolving to a formal mathematical vocabulary as disciplines formalized their rules and mappings.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "functions" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "functions" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "functions"
-ons sounds
-me) sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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