/ ˈpræktɪkl; NAmE / adjective , noun
■ adjective
CONNECTED WITH REAL THINGS
1.
connected with real situations rather than with ideas or theories :
to have gained practical experience of the work
practical advice / help / support
practical problems
There are some obvious practical applications of the research.
In practical terms , it means spending less.
From a practical point of view, it isn't a good place to live.
—compare theoretical
LIKELY TO WORK
2.
( of an idea, a method or a course of action ) right or sensible; likely to be successful
SYN workable :
It wouldn't be practical for us to go all that way just for the weekend.
OPP impractical
USEFUL
3.
( of things ) useful or suitable :
a practical little car, ideal for the city
OPP impractical
SENSIBLE
4.
( of a person ) sensible and realistic :
Let's be practical and work out the cost first.
OPP impractical
GOOD AT MAKING THINGS
5.
( of a person ) good at making or repairing things
SYN handy :
Bob's very practical. He does all the odd jobs around the house.
ALMOST TOTAL
6.
[ only before noun ] almost complete or total
SYN virtual :
She married a practical stranger.
•
IDIOMS
- for (all) practical purposes
■ noun
( BrE , informal ) a lesson or an exam in science or technology in which students have to do or make things, not just read or write about them
••
WORD ORIGIN
late 16th cent.: from archaic practic practical (from Old French practique , via late Latin from Greek praktikos concerned with action, from prattein do, act) + -al .