Definition of practical
1a : of, relating to, or manifested in practice or action : not theoretical or ideal a practical question for all practical purposesb : 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
4a : disposed to action as opposed to speculation or abstractionb (1) : qualified by practice or practical training a good practical mechanic (2) : designed to supplement theoretical training by experience
5 : concerned with voluntary action and ethical decisions practical reason
From the M-W Editors
Examples of practical in a Sentence
We can speculate about the future, but on a more practical level, we have to admit that we simply don't know what will happen.
An engineer will address the design's practical problems.
She has a lot of practical experience in dealing with these kinds of problems.
practical solutions to complicated problems
He thinks wind can be a practical source of renewable energy.
The machine is too big to be practical for most private homes.
The shoes are nice, but they're not very practical.
The book is a practical guide to car care.
He gave me some practical advice on finding a job.
Origin and Etymology of practical
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
First Known Use: 15th century
practical
Definition of practical
: an examination requiring demonstration of some practical skill a zoology practical
Examples of practical in a Sentence
We have our zoology practicals next week.
1925
First Known Use of practical
1925
PRACTICAL Defined for English Language Learners
practical
playDefinition of practical for English Language Learners
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: relating to what is real rather than to what is possible or imagined
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: likely to succeed and reasonable to do or use
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: appropriate or suited for actual use
practical
Definition of practical for English Language Learners
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: an examination in which students have to do or make something to show what they have learned
PRACTICAL Defined for Kids
practical
playDefinition of practical for Students
1 : of or relating to real action rather than ideas or thought practical matters
2 : capable of being put to use : reasonable to do or use practical advice Those shoes are nice, but these are more practical.
3 : tending to act according to reason and logic Beezus, always practical, changed her mind. “It wouldn't work.” — Beverly Cleary, Ramona Quimby a practical person
Learn More about practical
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See words that rhyme with practical Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for practical Spanish Central: Translation of practical Nglish: Translation of practical for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of practical for Arabic speakers
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