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Showing results for practical effect. Search instead for practical-effects.

practical effect

American  
[prak-ti-kuhl i-fekt] / ˈpræk tɪ kəl ɪˈfɛkt /

noun

Movies, Television.
  1. Usually practical effects a special effect that is created live on the set of a film, using real-world objects.


Etymology

Origin of practical effect

First recorded in 1980–85


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.

See Examples For:

"The practical effect of this lawsuit is to shield those dominant streaming platforms like Netflix and technology companies from much needed competition," a Paramount spokesperson said.

From Barron's ● Jul. 13, 2026

The immediate practical effect is clear: The EAC cannot act.

From Salon ● Jul. 11, 2026

The practical effect, according to Fred Vogler, who has been the Bowl’s principal sound designer since 2003, is startling.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 6, 2026

The practical effect may be minimal since the litigation probably won’t be fully resolved before the law’s 150-day shot-clock for imposing the tariffs ends on July 24.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 8, 2026

Having this valuable agency at command the next thing is to apply it, and make it of more thorough practical effect without permitting it to change to interfering and dangerous consciousness.

From The Happy Golfer Being Some Experiences, Reflections, and a Few Deductions of a Wandering Golfer by Henry Leach

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