practical
PRAG-tik-ul
/ˈpræk.tɪ.kəl/
Of or concerned with the actual doing or use of something rather than with theory and ideas.
Everyday baseline term for down-to-earth useful action.
The story behind the word. From Greek 'praktikos' (fit for action), from 'prassein' (to do, achieve). Entered Middle English via Late Latin and Old French, consistently meaning hands-on application.
Word relationships
- pragmatic: Practical is general everyday application; pragmatic implies an intentional philosophy.
- theoretical: Concerned with abstract ideas rather than real practice.
- impractical: Not sensible or realistic to implement.
Commonly confused with
- practicable: Practical means sensible and useful; practicable means physically able to be accomplished.
Word family
- practice (noun/verb): The actual application or execution of an idea.
- practically (adverb): Virtually or in a practical manner.
Collocations
- practical experience
- practical knowledge
- practical application
Idioms & expressions
- for all practical purposes
Example sentences
- "Students gained practical experience by working on real engineering problems in the lab." Education
Memory hook
PRACTICAL actions come from PRACTICE, not lecture halls. Hands-on doing.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'practicable' (which means capable of being done).
Fun facts
- The noun 'praxis' is still used in philosophy to mean translating theory into action.
Related words
Explore more words
pragmatic, technical, actionable, hands-on, utilitarian, effectively
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