PRACTICAL


Meaning of PRACTICAL in English

I. ˈpraktə̇kəl, -tēk- adjective

( sometimes -er/-est )

Etymology: Late Latin practic us practical (from Greek praktikos, from praktos, verbal of prassein, prattein to pass through or over, experience, transact, negotiate, practice + -ikos -ic) + English -al; akin to Greek peran to pass through — more at fare

1.

a. : actually or actively engaged in some course of action or occupation

a practical man but no theorist

b. : pursuing an occupation as a means of livelihood rather than as an avocation or sideline

the conflicting views of practical farmers and country gentlemen

2.

a. : of, relating to, or consisting or manifested in practice or action — compare ideal , speculative , theoretical

a practical matter

practical questions

b. : being such in practice, conduct, effect, or essential character : virtual

our practical freedom is better than your nominal liberty

3. : available, usable, or valuable in practice or action : capable of being turned to use or account : useful

a practical acquaintance with a language

practical economy

4.

a. : given or disposed to action as opposed to speculation or abstraction

b. : skillful or experienced from practice : evincing practice or skill : capable of applying knowledge to some useful end

a practical mind

c.

(1) : qualified by practice or practical training but lacking the highest professional training

the duties of practical and graduate nurses

(2) : designed to supplement theoretical training by experience

practical work in the field or laboratory

(3) chiefly Britain : concerned with or used in connection with practical training

a practical room

practical examinations

5. : aware of and willing to overlook or participate in chicaneries or irregularities : unscrupulous

a practical politician who knew which side his bread was buttered on

6. : practicable 2b

7. : practicing

a practical Catholic

II. noun

( -s )

: an examination requiring demonstration of some practical skill

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.