Utilitarian - Dictionary Definition and Overview

Utilitarian :  adj
1: having a useful function; "utilitarian steel tables" [syn: useful]
2: having utility often to the exclusion of values; "plain utilitarian kitchenware" (noun)

1: someone who believes that the value of a thing depends on its utility

Based on WordNet 2.0

Utilitarian : \U*til`i*ta"ri*an\, a. [See Utility.] 1. Of or pertaining to utility; consisting in utility; ?iming at utility as distinguished from beauty, ornament, etc.; sometimes, reproachfully, evincing, or characterized by, a regard for utility of a lower kind, or marked by a sordid spirit; as, utilitarian narrowness; a utilitarian indifference to art.

2. Of or pertaining to utilitarianism; supporting utilitarianism; as, the utilitarian view of morality; the Utilitarian Society. --J. S. Mill.

Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

Utilitarian : \U*til`i*ta"ri*an\, n. One who holds the doctrine of utilitarianism.

The utilitarians are for merging all the particular virtues into one, and would substitute in their place the greatest usefulness, as the alone principle to which every question respecting the morality of actions should be referred. --Chalmers.

But what is a utilitarian? Simply one who prefers the useful to the useless; and who does not? --Sir W. Hamilton.

Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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