Yahoo Web Search

Search results

1. Dictionary

   Prac·ti·cal

   /ˈpraktək(ə)l/

   

   adjective

   • 1. of or concerned with the actual doing or use of something rather than with theory and ideas: "there are two obvious practical applications of the research" Similar empiricalhands-onpragmaticrealactualactiveappliedexperientialexperimentalnontheoreticalin the fieldinformal:how-totechnical:heuristicrare:empiricOpposite theoretical
   • 2. (of an idea, plan, or method) likely to succeed or be effective in real circumstances; feasible: "neither of these strategies is practical for smaller businesses" Similar feasiblepracticablerealisticviableworkablepossiblewithin the bounds/realms of possibilityreasonablesensibleusefulhelpfulconstructiveinformal:doablerare:accomplishable
   • ▪ suitable for a particular purpose: "a practical, stylish kitchen" Similar functionalserviceablesensibleusefulutilitarianutilityeverydayworkadayordinarysuitableappropriate
   • ▪ (of a person) sensible and realistic in their approach to a situation or problem: "I'm not unfeeling, just trying to be practical" Similar realisticsensibledown-to-earthpragmaticbusinesslikematter-of-factreasonablerationalcommonsensicalhardheadedno-nonsensewith one's/both feet on the groundinformal:hard-nosedOpposite impractical
   • ▪ (of a person) skilled at manual tasks: "Steve'll fix it—he's quite practical"
   • 3. so nearly the case that it can be regarded as so; virtual: "it was a practical certainty that he would try to raise more money" Similar virtualeffectivein effect

   Word Origin late 16th century: from archaic practic ‘practical’ (from Old French practique, via late Latin from Greek praktikos ‘concerned with action’, from prattein ‘do, act’) + -al.

   Derivatives

   • 1. practicalness noun

   Scrabble Points: 15

   • P

     3

   • R

     1

   • A

     1

   • C

     3

   • T

     1

   • I

     1

   • C

     3

   • A

     1

   • L

     1

   Powered by Oxford Languages

   More Definitions, Word Origin & ScrabbleShow less