Practical: meaning, definitions and examples

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practical

[ˈpraktɪkəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in daily life

Of or concerned with the actual doing or use of something rather than with theory and ideas

Synonyms

effective, efficient, functional.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
practical	Suitable for everyday use, practical things are useful and likely to be successful in real-life situations. She bought a practical car that can handle rough roads. His practical advice helped them solve the problem quickly.
functional	Designed to be practical and useful rather than attractive. Functional often refers to the basic maintenance of tasks. The kitchen layout is functional for everyday cooking. The website is functional but could use a design update.
efficient	Accomplishing a task with the least waste of time and resources. Efficient methods save effort and time. They developed an efficient system for managing inventory. Her efficient use of time allowed her to complete the project early.
effective	Achieving a desired result or purpose. Effective implies that the method or thing works as intended. The new remedy was very effective against the flu. Her effective presentation won over the audience.

Examples of usage

The course combines theoretical and practical elements
She has a lot of practical experience in this field

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

useful

Likely to succeed or be effective in real circumstances; feasible

Synonyms

pragmatic, realistic, sensible.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
practical	Used when referring to a solution, idea, or person capable of handling real-world situations effectively and efficiently. It focuses on doing things rather than just thinking or talking about them. She offered a practical solution to the problem. He's a very practical person, always getting things done.
pragmatic	Applicable when taking a realistic and practical approach, often dealing with things sensibly and based on practical rather than theoretical considerations. Her pragmatic approach to the issue saved us a lot of time. Being pragmatic, he decided to settle the dispute out of court.
sensible	Used when showing good judgment and making decisions that are likely to produce positive outcomes, often sharing similarities with 'practical' but with more emphasis on wisdom and careful thought. It’s sensible to save money for emergencies. Choosing the sensible option helped us avoid many problems.
realistic	Used when acknowledging or dealing with things as they are, with an understanding of what can actually be achieved or expected, often offering a sober and grounded perspective. We need to set realistic goals to avoid disappointment. It's not realistic to expect everything to go perfectly.

Examples of usage

This is a practical solution to the problem
The plan is practical and achievable

^{Context #3 | Noun}

work experience

A period of work or training given to students to gain practical experience in a particular field

Synonyms

apprenticeship, internship, placement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
practical	Used to describe hands-on experience or activities that apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. During the practical chemistry class, students performed various experiments. She prefers practical skills over theoretical knowledge.
internship	A temporary position, often related to one's field of study, that allows individuals to gain work experience. Typically lasts a few months and may or may not be paid. She completed a summer internship at a tech company. He gained valuable skills during his internship at the hospital.
apprenticeship	Refers to a system of training a new generation of workers or practitioners in a trade or profession through on-the-job training and often accompanying study. It usually lasts for a few years. He is doing an apprenticeship in carpentry at a local workshop. The apprenticeship program combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience.
placement	Used to describe the act of placing someone in a job or a position of work experience, often arranged by an educational institution. The university offers job placement services to help graduates find employment. She secured a placement at a law firm through her college's career services.

Examples of usage

She completed a practical at a local engineering firm
The practical helped me understand the industry better

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Greek word 'praktikos,' which means 'fit for action.'
In the late 14th century, it entered English, originally referring to things that can be done or acted upon.
The root is related to 'practica,' which is Latin for 'practice' and includes both theory and application.

Education

Practical learning involves hands-on experiences, such as labs for science or workshops for trades.
In vocational education, practical skills are prioritized to prepare students for specific jobs.
The concept of a 'practical exam' is common in settings where demonstrating skills is crucial for passing.

Psychology

Studies show that practical experiences can enhance memory retention and understanding when learning new skills.
Practical problem-solving boosts cognitive flexibility, helping individuals adapt and apply knowledge effectively.
Engaging in practical tasks can reduce anxiety by providing a structured approach to challenges.

Everyday Usage

Practical items in your home might include tools like hammers or a blender that serve clear, functional purposes.
Using practical judgment means making decisions that are logical and effective, often based on real-life experience.
Practical jokes are funny and light-hearted tricks played on someone, but they should be harmless and fun.

Cultural Perception

In many cultures, practical skills are highly valued, often seen as a sign of independence and capability.
The term is often contrasted with 'theoretical,' promoting a view that action is just as important as knowledge.
Culturally, practical solutions are preferred in regions where resources may be limited, emphasizing efficiency.

Translations

Translations of the word "practical" in other languages:

🇵🇹 prático

🇮🇳 व्यावहारिक

🇩🇪 praktisch

🇮🇩 praktis

🇺🇦 практичний

🇵🇱 praktyczny

🇯🇵 実用的な

🇫🇷 pratique

🇪🇸 práctico

🇹🇷 pratik

🇰🇷 실용적인

🇸🇦 عملي

🇨🇿 praktický

🇸🇰 praktický

🇨🇳 实际的

🇸🇮 praktičen

🇮🇸 hagnýtur

🇰🇿 практикалық

🇬🇪 პრაქტიკული

🇦🇿 praktik

🇲🇽 práctico

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,030, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.

...
1027 desire
1028 literature
1029 showing
1030 practical
1031 feeling
1032 responsible
1033 accepted
...