practicable
Americanadjective
-
capable of being done, effected, or put into practice, with the available means; feasible.
a practicable solution.
- Synonyms:
- attainable, achievable, workable
- Antonyms:
- unfeasible
-
capable of being used.
a practicable gift.
-
Theater. (of a stage property or part of a set) designed or constructed for actual use; a practicable window; practicable water faucets.
adjective
-
capable of being done; feasible
-
usable
Related Words
See possible.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of practicable
1660–70; < Medieval Latin practic ( āre ) to practice + -able
Explanation
Something that is practicable is something that can be reasonably done. Look at the word within the word, practice, plus the suffix -able, and you have something that is able to be put into practice, or practicable. Practicable is an adjective built from the word practice and can thus be traced to the Medieval Latin verb practicare and the Medieval French pratiquer, both of which meant "to practice." With the addition of a "c" to remind us of "practice," the French praticable, "able to be put into practice," became the English practicable.
Vocabulary lists containing practicable
The Launch of Sputnik 1
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
30 GRE Words Beginning with "P"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
This Week in Words: June 25 - 29, 2018
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Practicable Socialism" became the ideal of the reforming party, who styled themselves "Progressives."
From Fifteen Chapters of Autobiography by Russell, George William Erskine
Practicable, practical.—That is practicable which can be done; that is practical which is not theoretical only: as, "a practicable plan," "a practical electrician."
From Practical Exercises in English by Buehler, Huber Gray
Kinds of Canoes Practicable canoes are made of birch bark stretched over light frames; of cedar; of basswood; of canvas, and of canvas cover over stiff frames.
From Camp and Trail by White, Stewart Edward
"Why, that's," said Gilmore, "entirely——" "Practicable," said Hugh.
From Gideon's Band A Tale of the Mississippi by Cable, George Washington
Practicable and beneficent here, it must be the same there.
From The Duel Between France and Germany by Sumner, Charles
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
