Practicality Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'practicality'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.'

The word 'practicality' originated from the Latin word 'practicus', meaning 'practical'. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-17th century. The concept of practicality has always been valued in society for its focus on functionality and efficiency in everyday tasks.


See also: impractical, impractically.

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.