Words / B2

PRAKT-ikl/ˈpræktɪkl/

Practical means hands-on or sensible, and as a noun a assessed experiment: a practical solution; the chemistry practical. Theoretical is the opposite for ideas. The practical is a separate grade. Mix-up: practice is the noun for training (UK). Do not call a daydream practical.

Meaning

Connected with real situations rather than ideas; also useful and sensible.

Examples

• “The chemistry practical is a separate grade, the specification warns.”
• “A practical timetable beat an elegant one that needed four rooms, which is the sensible sense.”

Good to know

a practical + noun; the science practical. Opposite (ideas): theoretical. Trap: practice / practise. Sciences and planning. Hands-on or workable.

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