adj.
Pronunciation: ' prak-ti-k ə l
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin practicus, from Greek praktikos, from prassein to passive over, fare, do; akin to Greek peran to passive 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 experience
5 : concerned with voluntary action and ethical decisions < practical reason>
– prac · ti · cal · i · ty \ ˌ prak-ti- ' ka-l ə -t ē \ noun
– prac · ti · cal · ness \ ' prak-ti-k ə l-n ə s \ noun