Practicality: meaning, definitions and examples

⚙️
Add to dictionary

practicality

 

[ˌpræktɪˈkæləti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in daily life

The quality or state of being practical; suitability for a particular purpose; effectiveness in achieving goals.

Synonyms

efficiency, functionality, usefulness.

Examples of usage

  • She valued practicality over style when choosing her new car.
  • The design of the product prioritized practicality and functionality over aesthetics.
Context #2 | Noun

problem-solving

The ability to use common sense and good judgment to solve problems effectively.

Synonyms

pragmatism, realism, sensibleness.

Examples of usage

  • His practicality in handling difficult situations made him a valuable team member.
  • The success of the project was largely due to the team's practicality in overcoming challenges.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'practicus,' meaning 'active or practical.'
  • It entered the English language in the early 19th century, reflecting a growing interest in efficiency and usefulness.
  • The root is also linked to the Greek word 'praktikos,' which means 'fit for action or doing.'

Psychology

  • People who demonstrate practicality often prefer clear, actionable solutions over abstract ideas.
  • Research shows that practical thinking can lead to better decision-making, especially in high-pressure situations.
  • In cognitive psychology, practicality is essential for problem-solving as it involves applying knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Education

  • In educational settings, practicality can enhance learning by connecting theoretical knowledge to real-life applications.
  • Hands-on learning experiences often show students the importance of practicality in subjects like science and art.
  • Many educational curriculums now emphasize skills that enhance practical thinking, preparing students for the workforce.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and literature, practical characters often serve as the voice of reason, guiding others through chaos.
  • Reality shows often highlight practicality as contestants must solve problems with limited resources, reflecting real-life challenges.
  • The popularity of DIY culture emphasizes practical skills, showing that hands-on approaches can lead to creative solutions.

Business

  • In the business world, practicality drives innovation as companies seek solutions that maximize efficiency while minimizing costs.
  • Practical decision-making frameworks are essential for project management and strategic planning.
  • Successful entrepreneurs often emphasize the importance of practicality in developing products that meet real customer needs.

Translations

Translations of the word "practicality" in other languages:

🇵🇹 praticidade

🇮🇳 व्यावहारिकता

🇩🇪 Praktikabilität

🇮🇩 kepraktisan

🇺🇦 практичність

🇵🇱 praktyczność

🇯🇵 実用性

🇫🇷 praticité

🇪🇸 practicidad

🇹🇷 pratiklik

🇰🇷 실용성

🇸🇦 العملية

🇨🇿 praktičnost

🇸🇰 praktičnosť

🇨🇳 实用性

🇸🇮 praktičnost

🇮🇸 hagkvæmni

🇰🇿 практикалық

🇬🇪 პრაქტიკულობა

🇦🇿 praktiklik

🇲🇽 practicidad

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,642, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.