practical
2 antonyms and opposites of practical, grouped by meaning.
Adj — Concerned with actual practice and results rather than theory.
Antonyms
How to use practical
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin practicalis, ultimately from Greek praktikos, "fit for action" — related to "practice".
Full origin of practical →Frequently asked questions
What does “practical” mean?
The word “practical” means concerned with actual practice and results rather than theory. In plain terms, focused on what actually works in real life, rather than on ideas or theory.
How do you pronounce “practical”?
“Practical” is pronounced PRAK-tih-kuhl (/ˈpɹæk.tɪ.kəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “practical” in a sentence?
Here is “practical” used in a sentence: “The course focuses on practical skills like budgeting and negotiation.”
What is the opposite of “practical”?
The opposite of “practical” — its antonyms — are theoretical and impractical.
What part of speech is “practical”?
“Practical” is an adjective.
Where does the word “practical” come from?
The word “practical” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin practicalis, ultimately from Greek praktikos, "fit for action" — related to "practice".
Is “practical” a common word?
“Practical” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “practical” have?
“Practical” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: concerned with actual practice and results rather than theory.
What is the difference between practical and practicable?
Practical describes something useful, sensible, or focused on real results rather than theory, and it can describe people too. Practicable is narrower: it means simply capable of being done or put into practice. A plan can be practicable, meaning achievable, yet not practical, meaning not actually sensible or worthwhile.
What is the difference between practical and theoretical?
Practical concerns doing, testing, and real-world results, while theoretical concerns ideas, principles, and explanations that may not yet have been applied. A theoretical understanding of swimming comes from books; a practical one comes from being in the water. The two often complement rather than oppose each other.
Is being called practical a compliment?
Usually yes. Calling someone practical praises their common sense, realism, and ability to get things done without fuss. It can occasionally carry a mild hint that a person favours function over imagination or flair, but in most contexts it is a genuinely positive, approving description.
What is an example of being practical?
Choosing sturdy, waterproof boots for a hiking trip instead of fashionable but flimsy shoes is a practical decision, because it prioritises what actually works. Packing a first-aid kit, budgeting realistically, or fixing a problem with the tools at hand are all everyday examples of practical thinking.