I. ˈprak-ti-kəl adjective
Etymology: 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
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 ˌprak-ti-ˈka-lə-tē noun
• prac·ti·cal·ness ˈprak-ti-kəl-nəs noun
II. noun
Date: 1925
: an examination requiring demonstration of some practical skill
a zoology practical