Main Entry:

¹prac·ti·cal

Pronunciation:

\ˈprak-ti-kəl\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English, from Late Latin practicus, from Greek praktikos, from prassein to pass over, fare, do; akin to Greek peran to pass through — more at fare

Date:

15th century

1 a: of, relating to, or manifested in practice or action : not theoretical or ideal <a practical question> <for all practical purposes> b: being such in practice or effect : virtual <a practical failure>2: actively engaged in some course of action or occupation <a practical farmer>3: capable of being put to use or account : useful <he had a practical knowledge of French>4 a: disposed to action as opposed to speculation or abstraction b (1): qualified by practice or practical training <a good practical mechanic> (2): designed to supplement theoretical training by experience5: concerned with voluntary action and ethical decisions <practical reason>

— prac·ti·cal·i·ty \ˌprak-ti-ˈka-lə-tē\ noun

— prac·ti·cal·ness \ˈprak-ti-kəl-nəs\ noun