practical
PRAK-tih-kuhl
Practical (adj) means Concerned with actual practice and results rather than theory. Example: “The course focuses on practical skills like budgeting and negotiation.”
adj
1
Concerned with actual practice and results rather than theory.
"The course focuses on practical skills like budgeting and negotiation."
"His advice was practical, not just theoretical."
"She prefers practical experience to reading about how things work in books."
2
Likely to work well in a real situation; sensible and useful.
"Buying a smaller car was the practical choice for city driving."
"Sturdy boots are a practical choice for a muddy campsite."
"Is it practical to cycle to work when it rains every day?"
How to use practical
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFocused on what actually works in real life, rather than on ideas or theory.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
practical advice
practical solution
practical skills
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Word forms
- Plural
- practicals
- Comparative
- more practical
- Superlative
- most practical
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The course focuses on _____ skills like budgeting and negotiation.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin practicalis, ultimately from Greek praktikos, "fit for action" — related to "practice".
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for practical
See all rhymes for 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.
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