Practical vs. Efficient — What's the Difference?

Of or concerned with the actual doing or use of something rather than with theory and ideas

(of a system or machine) achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense

(of an idea, plan, or method) likely to succeed or be effective in real circumstances; feasible

(of a person) working in a well-organized and competent way

So nearly the case that it can be regarded as so; virtual

Acting or producing effectively with a minimum of waste, expense, or unnecessary effort

An examination or lesson in which theories and procedures learned are applied to the actual making or doing of something.

Acting directly to produce an effect

Of, relating to, governed by, or acquired through practice or action, rather than theory or speculation

Causing less waste or requiring less effort than comparable devices or methods. Used in combination

Manifested in or involving practice

Making good, thorough, or careful use of resources; not consuming extra. Especially, making good use of time or energy

Capable of or suitable to being used or put into effect; useful

Expressing the proportion of consumed energy that was successfully used in a process; the ratio of useful output to total input

Concerned with the production or operation of something useful

Causing effects, producing results; bringing into being; initiating change (rare except in philosophical and legal expression efficient cause = causative factor or agent)

Having or showing good judgment; sensible

Effective, efficacious

Being actually so in almost every respect; virtual

(obsolete) a cause; something that causes an effect

Relating to, or based on, practice or action rather than theory or hypothesis.

Causing effects; producing results; that makes the effect to be what it is; actively operative; not inactive, slack, or incapable; characterized by energetic and useful activity; as, an efficient officer, power.

Being likely to be effective and applicable to a real situation; able to be put to use

An efficient cause; a prime mover.

Of a person, having skills or knowledge that are practical

Being effective without wasting time or effort or expense;

Of a prop: having some degree of functionality, rather than being a mere imitation.

Able to accomplish a purpose; functioning effectively;

(film) Light fixtures used for set lighting and seen in the frame of a shot as part of the scenery.

(British) A part of an exam or series of exams in which the candidate has to demonstrate their practical ability

(theater) A prop that has some degree of functionality, rather than being a mere imitation.

(film) A light fixture used for set lighting and seen in the frame of a shot as part of the scenery.

Laboratory experiment, test or investigation

Of or pertaining to practice or action.

Capable of being turned to use or account; useful, in distinction from ideal or theoretical; as, practical chemistry.

Evincing practice or skill; capable of applying knowledge to some useful end; as, a practical man; a practical mind.

Derived from practice; as, practical skill.

Concerned with actual use or practice;

Guided by practical experience and observation rather than theory;

Being actually such in almost every respect;

Having or put to a practical purpose or use;