practical

[prak-ti-kuhl]

adjective

1. of or relating to practice or action.

   practical mathematics.

   Synonyms: pragmatic

2. consisting of, involving, or resulting from practice or action.

   a practical application of a rule.

3. of, relating to, or concerned with ordinary activities, business, or work.

   a habitual dreamer, who can't be bothered with practical affairs.

4. adapted or designed for actual use; useful.

   practical instructions.

5. engaged or experienced in actual practice or work.

   a practical politician credited with much legislation.

6. inclined toward or fitted for actual work or useful activities.

   looking for a practical person to fill this position.

7. mindful of the results, usefulness, advantages or disadvantages, etc., of action or procedure.

   Antonyms: foolish, unwise, imprudent, ill-advised

8. matter-of-fact; prosaic.

9. being such in practice or effect; virtual.

   Her promotion to manager is a practical certainty.

10. Theater.,  practicable.

practical

/ ˈpræktɪkəl /

adjective

1. of, involving, or concerned with experience or actual use; not theoretical

2. of or concerned with ordinary affairs, work, etc

3. adapted or adaptable for use

4. of, involving, or trained by practice

5. being such for all useful or general purposes; virtual

noun

1. an examination in the practical skills of a subject

   a science practical

Usage

A distinction is usually made between practical and practicable. Practical refers to a person, idea, project, etc, as being more concerned with or relevant to practice than theory: he is a very practical person; the idea had no practical application. Practicable refers to a project or idea as being capable of being done or put into effect: the plan was expensive, yet practicable

Other Word Forms

• practicality noun
• practicalness noun
• nonpractical adjective
• nonpractically adverb
• nonpracticalness noun
• prepractical adjective
• quasi-practical adjective
• quasi-practically adverb
• semipractical adjective
• ultrapractical adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of practical¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English. See practic, -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of practical¹

C17: from earlier practic, from French pratique, via Late Latin from Greek praktikos, from prassein to experience, negotiate, perform

Idioms and Phrases

see to all intents and (for all practical) purposes.

Synonym Study

Practical, judicious, sensible refer to good judgment in action, conduct, and the handling of everyday matters. Practical suggests the ability to adopt means to an end or to turn what is at hand to account: to adopt practical measures for settling problems. Judicious implies the possession and use of discreet judgment, discrimination, and balance: a judicious use of one's time. Sensible implies the possession and use of sound reason and shrewd common sense: a sensible suggestion.

Example Sentences

Ms Jones said TUI had considered whether it was possible, practical or safe to install chains on all its hotels' doors but "it was deemed too great of a fire risk".

Read more on BBC

They were given practical guidance, such as suggesting they move breakable items and knives to safe places.

Read more on BBC

He said the park was introducing "clear, practical measures" to reduce wildfire risk and said the summit was an opportunity for "critical conversations" on mitigation and management.

Read more on BBC

In his telling, science and the practical knowledge of industrial production began a virtuous cycle that continues through today.

Read more on Barron's

With detailed study of the interaction between science and practical know-how, Mr. Mokyr showed the importance of both kinds of knowledge.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• businesslike 
• constructive 
• down-to-earth 
• efficient 
• factual 
• feasible 
• functional 
• possible 
• practicable 
• pragmatic 
• rational 
• reasonable 
• sane 
• sensible 
• sober 
• workable