As an adjective, it describes something designed mainly for practical use rather than beauty. As a noun, it can mean a follower of the moral theory that actions are right if they benefit the most people.
From 'utility' (usefulness) + '-arian', first used in the early 1800s. It was closely linked to the development of utilitarian philosophy in England.
Utilitarian objects put function first—think plain chairs that are comfortable but not stylish. In ethics, a utilitarian does the same thing with choices: beauty and rules matter less than the total amount of happiness or suffering produced.
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