English Explanatory Dictionary

utilitarian

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adj
  1. Of or relating to utility.
  2. Pertaining to utilitarianism.
  3. Practical and functional, present for use, not just for show.
noun
  1. Someone who practices or advocates utilitarianism.

Pronunciation

/juːˌtɪlɪˈtɛəɹi.ən/ /juˌtɪləˈtɛɹi.ən/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-utilitarian.wav

Word forms

utilitarian more utilitarian most utilitarian utilitarians

Etymology

From utility + -arian. Coined by English philosopher Jeremy Bentham as early as 1781, and popularized by his student John Stuart Mill, who mistakenly attributed the term to John Galt.

Derived words

futilitarian negative utilitarian utilitarianism utilitarianly
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