# practical

/ˈpɹæktəkəɫ/ (US) · /pɹˈæktɪkəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/practical
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. useful and realistic

adjective · CEFR B1

useful and sensible for real-life situations rather than just ideas.

For teachers: relating to or based on action and experience rather than theory; likely to be effective when applied to real-world scenarios.

- We need a practical solution to the traffic problem, not just a beautiful map.
- While the proposal was intellectually stimulating, the board rejected it in favour of a more practical approach that addressed immediate budget constraints.

### 2. skilled with hands

adjective · CEFR B1

good at making or fixing things with your hands.

For teachers: possessing manual dexterity or the ability to solve physical problems effectively.

- My brother is very practical and fixed the broken sink in ten minutes.
- The vocational course is designed for practical students who prefer workshop environments to traditional classroom lectures.

### 3. functional prop or light

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

a prop or light on a film set that actually works like a real one.

For teachers: referring to a prop or light fixture that is functional and appears within the frame as part of the scenery.

- The director wanted a practical lamp on the desk so the actor could turn it on.
- The cinematographer insisted on using practical lights within the scene to create a more authentic atmosphere for the night shoot.

### 4. hands-on exam

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

a lesson or exam where you have to do something physical, like a science experiment.

For teachers: an examination or lesson in which students demonstrate their skills by performing tasks rather than writing about them.

- We have our chemistry practical tomorrow, so I need to remember the safety rules.
- The final grade for the biology module is determined by a written paper and a three-hour laboratory practical.

## Examples

- You should wear practical shoes for the long walk.
- The workshop provides practical advice on how to manage a small business budget effectively.
- While the architect's vision was aesthetically stunning, the building lacked the practical features necessary for a high-traffic public space.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.