Practicable vs. Practical — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 25, 2023
"Practicable" means capable of being put into practice or achieved, while "Practical" relates to real-world application or usefulness.
Difference Between Practicable and Practical
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Practicable" is a term that primarily signifies the feasibility of something. It revolves around the idea of whether something can be done or put into action. When an idea is deemed practicable, it means that it's possible to achieve or implement it in real-world scenarios. "Practical," on the other hand, delves deeper into the realm of utility, suggesting not just the possibility but also the functionality or sensibility of an idea or action.
Consider a novel invention as an example. While the invention might be "practicable" in that it can be built and made to function, it might not be "practical" if there isn't a real-world use for it or if it doesn't offer a solution to an existing problem. Here, "practicable" alludes to the feasibility of creation, while "practical" contemplates its real-world utility.
In everyday language, "practical" is far more commonly used than "practicable". People often refer to practical solutions or practical advice, implying the solutions or advice are applicable and useful in everyday situations. In contrast, "practicable" would typically be employed in more specific scenarios, especially when discussing the feasibility of certain actions or plans.
Furthermore, "practical" can also hint at a person's inclination or aptitude. A practical person, for instance, is someone grounded in reality, emphasizing functional actions over theoretical ideas. "Practicable" doesn't lend itself to this type of characterization. Instead, it remains primarily focused on the viability of tasks or actions.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Capable of being put into practice or achieved.
Pertaining to real-world application or usefulness.
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Usage Context
Often pertains to feasibility of tasks or plans.
More broadly used, relates to utility in everyday situations.
Frequency
Less common in everyday speech.
More frequently used in various contexts.
Person Descriptor
Not typically used to describe people.
Can describe a person's approach or nature.
Related Terms
Feasible, achievable.
Functional, utilitarian.
Compare with Definitions
Practicable
Achievable given the current conditions.
The idea, though innovative, is hardly practicable.
Practical
Pertaining to real-world application or practice.
She always offers practical advice.
Practicable
Capable of being put into action or use.
The plan seems good on paper, but is it practicable?
Practical
Based on experience or observed facts.
The research has practical implications for the industry.
Practicable
Possible to achieve or carry out.
The engineering team found a practicable solution to the problem.
Practical
Concerned with actual use rather than theory.
We need a practical solution to this problem.
Practicable
Suitable for application; workable.
The committee is seeking a practicable approach to the issue.
Practical
Suited for a particular purpose or need.
A pocket-sized guide is more practical for travelers.
Practicable
Capable of being effected, done, or put into practice; feasible.
Practical
Having or showing common sense or pragmatic reasoning.
She has a practical approach to challenges.
Practicable
Usable for a specified purpose
A practicable way of entry.
Practical
Of or concerned with the actual doing or use of something rather than with theory and ideas
There are two obvious practical applications of the research
Practicable
Capable of being accomplished; feasible.
Practical
(of an idea, plan, or method) likely to succeed or be effective in real circumstances; feasible
Neither of these strategies are practical for smaller businesses
Practicable
Serving a useful function; useful, functional or handy.
Practical
So nearly the case that it can be regarded as so; virtual
For all practical purposes, she's his girlfriend
Practicable
Available for use; accessible or employable.
Practical
An examination or lesson in which theories and procedures learned are applied to the actual making or doing of something.
Practicable
That may be practiced or performed; capable of being done or accomplished with available means or resources; feasible; as, a practicable method; a practicable aim; a practicable good.
Practical
Of, relating to, governed by, or acquired through practice or action, rather than theory or speculation
Gained practical experience of sailing as a deck hand.
Practicable
Capable of being used; passable; as, a practicable weapon; a practicable road.
Practical
Manifested in or involving practice
Practical applications of calculus.
Practicable
Usable for a specific purpose;
An operable plan
A practicable solution
Practical
Capable of or suitable to being used or put into effect; useful
Practical knowledge of Japanese. See Usage Note at practicable.
Practicable
Capable of being done with means at hand and circumstances as they are
Practical
Concerned with the production or operation of something useful
Woodworking is a practical art.
Practicable
Feasible in a particular situation.
Given the resources, the project is not practicable.
Practical
Having or showing good judgment; sensible
If we're practical, we can do the job quickly.
Practical
Being actually so in almost every respect; virtual
The snowstorm was a practical disaster.
Practical
Relating to, or based on, practice or action rather than theory or hypothesis.
Jack didn't get an engineering degree, but has practical knowledge of metalworking.
Modern engineering applies science to practical problems.
Practical
Being likely to be effective and applicable to a real situation; able to be put to use
Jack's knowledge has the practical benefit of giving us useful prototype parts.
Practical
Of a person, having skills or knowledge that are practical
All in all, Jack's a very practical chap.
Practical
Of a prop: having some degree of functionality, rather than being a mere imitation.
Practical
(film) Light fixtures used for set lighting and seen in the frame of a shot as part of the scenery.
Practical lighting can help sell the illusion that the film is a real situation.
Practical
(British) A part of an exam or series of exams in which the candidate has to demonstrate their practical ability
Practical
(theater) A prop that has some degree of functionality, rather than being a mere imitation.
Practical
(film) A light fixture used for set lighting and seen in the frame of a shot as part of the scenery.
Practical
Laboratory experiment, test or investigation
Practical
Of or pertaining to practice or action.
Practical
Capable of being turned to use or account; useful, in distinction from ideal or theoretical; as, practical chemistry.
Practical
Evincing practice or skill; capable of applying knowledge to some useful end; as, a practical man; a practical mind.
Practical
Derived from practice; as, practical skill.
Practical
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
Practical
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
Practical
Being actually such in almost every respect;
A practical failure
The once elegant temple lay in virtual ruin
Practical
Having or put to a practical purpose or use;
Practical mathematics
Practical applications of calculus
Common Curiosities
When should I use "Practicable"?
When referring to the feasibility or achievability of an action or plan.
Can something be practicable but not practical?
Yes, it might be possible to do (practicable) but not necessarily useful or sensible (practical).
Which term is more commonly used?
"Practical" is more commonly used in various contexts.
Is "Practicable" synonymous with "Practical"?
Not entirely; "Practicable" refers to feasibility, while "Practical" relates to real-world usefulness.
Does "Practical" always mean "useful"?
Largely, yes. It refers to things that have a real-world application or purpose.
What's the opposite of "Practicable"?
Impracticable, meaning not feasible.
What's the opposite of "Practical"?
Impractical, suggesting lack of sensibility or utility.
Can "Practical" describe a person?
Yes, describing someone as practical means they're pragmatic or grounded in reality.
Is "Practicable" a technical term?
It's more specific and might be found in formal or technical discussions.
Which term is older, Practicable or Practical?
Both have ancient roots, but "Practical" has been more widely used historically.
In what fields is "Practicable" more common?
It might be found in engineering, planning, or technical contexts discussing feasibility.
Why is "Practical" more commonly understood?
It's broadly applicable to many scenarios, making it more familiar in everyday speech.
Is "Practicable" related to "Practice"?
Both share a root, relating to action, but "Practicable" is about feasibility.
Is a practical person always pragmatic?
Typically, yes. They focus on realistic and sensible approaches.
Can an idea be both practicable and practical?
Yes, if it's feasible to implement and has real-world utility.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
