practical

/ˈpræktɪkəl/
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Concerned with acting effectively in the real world rather than with ideas alone.

Examples

  • He stayed practical and called a plumber first.
  • The plan sounds exciting, but it may not be practical.
  • She passed the driving practical on her second attempt.
  • Are these shoes practical enough for a long walk?
  • Ask Maya because she is very practical about money.

Similar words

realistic
lab class
realistic
workable
hands-on
pragmatic
useful
active
practical exam
laboratory session

Meanings

Useful in real conditions

adjective
everyday
neutral
Suitable for a real situation and likely to work well, especially without wasting time, money, or effort.

Examples

  • We need a practical way to keep the kitchen cool.
  • Cycling is not practical when I have three heavy bags.
  • She gave me practical advice about finding a flat.
  • Are these shoes practical enough for a long walk?
  • The plan sounds exciting, but it may not be practical.

Similar words

Based on action or experience

adjective
education
neutral
Connected with doing, using, or experiencing something rather than only studying ideas or theory.

Examples

  • The course combines theory with practical training.
  • Her practical experience helped her handle the emergency.
  • Students tested the idea through practical work in the lab.
  • Do you have any practical knowledge of electrical repairs?
  • The book explains the practical application of the research.

Similar words

Sensible and realistic

adjective
social
neutral
Good at dealing calmly with everyday problems and making decisions based on what can actually be done.

Examples

  • Ask Maya because she is very practical about money.
  • He stayed practical and called a plumber first.
  • I was upset, while my sister took a more practical view.
  • Can we be practical and choose the cheaper option?
  • She is not always practical, but her ideas inspire the team.

Similar words

Hands-on class or test

noun
education
neutral
A class or examination, especially in a scientific or technical subject, in which work or a skill is demonstrated.

Examples

  • Our chemistry practical starts at nine.
  • She passed the driving practical on her second attempt.
  • We dissected a flower during the biology practical.
  • Will the practical count toward the final grade?
  • He revised the theory but forgot to prepare for the practical.

Similar words

Etymology

From early 15th-century English practical, through French and Medieval Latin from Greek praktikos, meaning fit for action or business. The noun for a hands-on class or examination appeared in the early 20th century.

FAQ

What does practical mean?

Practical usually describes something useful in real conditions, experience gained by doing, or a person who makes sensible decisions.

What is a practical person?

A practical person deals realistically with problems and chooses solutions that can actually work.

What is the difference between practical and practicable?

Practical often means useful or sensible, while practicable more narrowly means able to be done.

Can practical be a noun?

Yes. A practical is a hands-on class or test, especially in a scientific or technical subject.

What does practical experience mean?

Practical experience is knowledge or skill gained by doing real tasks rather than only studying theory.

Where does practical come from?

Practical ultimately comes from Greek praktikos, meaning fit for action or business.

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