Practical (Adjective)
Meaning 1
Having or put to a practical purpose or use; "practical mathematics"; "practical applications of calculus".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The engineering course emphasized the practical applications of scientific theories to real-world problems.
- In school, theoretical lessons are often complemented with practical classes to enhance learning.
- She pursued a degree in vocational training which focused on practical skills rather than theoretical knowledge.
- The hands-on training offered students a practical understanding of programming languages.
- Students of environmental science focus on practical solutions that can be implemented to prevent pollution.
Meaning 2
Concerned with actual use or practice; "he is a very practical person"; "the idea had no practical application"; "a practical knowledge of Japanese"; "woodworking is a practical art".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- She chose a practical hairstyle that was easy to maintain and style every day.
- His practical approach to solving problems made him a valuable asset to the team.
- The teacher emphasized the importance of having a practical understanding of the concepts rather than just memorizing the formulas.
- Woodworking is a practical art that allows individuals to create functional items for their daily lives.
- The company is looking for someone with practical experience in marketing and sales.
Antonyms
Related Words
Meaning 3
Guided by practical experience and observation rather than theory; "a hardheaded appraisal of our position"; "a hard-nosed labor leader"; "completely practical in his approach to business"; "not ideology but pragmatic politics".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The engineer's completely practical approach to problem-solving was evident in the efficient design of the bridge.
- She was a hard-nosed businesswoman who didn't let emotions cloud her decision-making.
- His years of experience as a carpenter gave him a hardheaded understanding of the construction process.
- The experienced manager took a practical view of the challenges facing the team and developed a realistic strategy.
- The company's pragmatic approach to innovation involved testing ideas in real-world scenarios before scaling up production.
Synonyms
Related Words
Meaning 4
Being actually such in almost every respect; "a practical failure"; "the once elegant temple lay in virtual ruin".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The once-thriving restaurant was a practical disaster due to poor management and inadequate staffing.
- The ambitious entrepreneur's lofty plans were a practical impossibility given the current market conditions.
- The beautiful, historic mansion stood as a practical relic of a bygone era, its grandeur faded with time.
- The old, worn-out car was a practical wreck, held together by patchwork repairs and duct tape.
- The heavily indebted company was a practical bankruptcy, only remaining afloat through a series of temporary bailouts.