Definition
功利 (gōnglì) has two contrasting senses: the neutral philosophical term 'utility' (e.g.,功利主义), and a pejorative meaning 'pursuit of personal gain, mercenary attitude'. Compared to 用处 (yòngchù, concrete usefulness), 功利 is more abstract and often carries criticism. Unlike 名利 (mínglì, fame and wealth), 功利 focuses solely on practical benefit, not reputation.
noun
(philosophy) utility(pejorative) pursuit of personal gainmercenary attitude
Easily confused
- 公里gōng lǐsound-alikekilometer
- 公立gōng lìsound-alikepublic (of institutions such as schools, hospitals, libraries)
- 功力gōng lìsound-alikeefficacy; effectiveness (of a medicine, method, or practice)
Examples
- 功利，。Tā zuò rènhé shì dōu zhǐ kànzhòng gōng lì, bú zàihu gǎnqíng.He only cares about personal gain in everything he does, not about feelings.
- 。gōnglì zhǔyì zhéxué qiángdiào zuì dà duōshù rén de zuì dà xìngfú.Utilitarian philosophy emphasizes the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.
- 功利，。Xiànzài de shèhuì fēngqì tài zhùzhòng gōng lì, hěnduō rén jí gōng jìn lì.Current social trends place too much emphasis on utility, and many people are eager for quick success.
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