practical
What does "practical" mean?
The word "practical" describes something that is useful, functional, and grounded in reality rather than theory. Imagine a tool that is perfectly designed to get a job done efficiently; it isn't necessarily pretty or fancy, but it works exactly as intended. In conversation, you use this to describe people who are sensible or solutions that are realistic and easy to implement. It is often contrasted with "theoretical" or "idealistic" ideas. Common collocations include "practical experience," "practical advice," and "practical solution."
"practical" in conversation
Planning a home office
Should we buy this velvet armchair for the office?
Should we buy this velvet armchair for the office?
It looks nice, but it’s not very practical for sitting in all day. Let's get an ergonomic one.
It looks nice, but it’s not very practical for sitting in all day. Let's get an ergonomic one.
Used here to contrast aesthetic appeal with functional comfort.
Discussing career advice
I want to learn how to paint portraits.
I want to learn how to paint portraits.
That's fun, but have you considered learning graphic design? It’s a more practical skill for finding a job.
That's fun, but have you considered learning graphic design? It’s a more practical skill for finding a job.
Highlights the difference between a hobby and a skill that yields tangible results.
"practical" in a sentence
This backpack is very practical for hiking.
This backpack is very practical for hiking.
She gave me some practical advice on how to save money.
She gave me some practical advice on how to save money.
We need a practical solution to address the traffic congestion in the city center.
We need a practical solution to address the traffic congestion in the city center.
