Realistic vs. Practical — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 3, 2023
Realistic pertains to accurately representing real life, while practical refers to what is sensible and feasible in action.
Difference Between Realistic and Practical
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Realistic is a term often associated with truth and accuracy in depiction or expectations. It signifies something aligned with the real world or true to life. Practical, in contrast, relates to the application or practice of an idea, focusing on the execution or action that is sensible or utilitarian. While something realistic can also be practical, the former is more about perception and the latter about action.
In the context of goals or plans, realistic refers to what is achievable based on current conditions and constraints. Practicality, however, takes into account the methods and resources required to achieve these goals, emphasizing the manner of realization. A realistic plan acknowledges the likelihood of success, whereas a practical plan outlines the efficient means to reach that success.
When discussing ideas, realistic ones are grounded in reality and likely to be true or possible, without exaggeration or idealism. Practical ideas are not only possible but also pragmatic, designed with consideration of the actual conditions of everyday life. They are ready for implementation and tailored to work efficiently within given parameters.
Artistic representation is another area where these terms diverge. A realistic painting captures the subject with fidelity to its real-world appearance, while a practical art approach might focus on techniques and materials that are most effective and manageable for the artist, regardless of the level of realism achieved.
In decision-making, a realistic decision acknowledges what is probable or likely to happen, while a practical decision looks for the best practical application, aiming for a solution that is straightforward, simple, and likely to result in success. Therefore, while all practical decisions are realistic, not all realistic assessments lead to practical actions.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Reflecting real life accurately.
Sensible and likely to succeed.
Application
More about perception or expectation.
Focused on implementation and action.
Goal Orientation
Feasibility based on current reality.
Emphasis on efficient methods.
Artistic Context
Fidelity to appearance.
Efficiency in technique and use.
Decision-Making
Acknowledgment of probability.
Seeking straightforward solutions.
Compare with Definitions
Realistic
Mimicking real life
The novel was praised for its realistic portrayal of urban life.
Practical
Sensibly applied
Her practical approach to problem-solving saved the company money.
Realistic
Achievable
Her goal to learn French in six months was realistic.
Practical
Action-oriented
She provided a practical solution to reduce waste.
Realistic
True to life
The game's graphics are highly realistic.
Practical
Functionally useful
The practical design of the building impressed the clients.
Realistic
Based on facts
Her realistic outlook on the project set practical expectations.
Practical
Utilitarian
He preferred practical clothing suited for all weathers.
Realistic
Having or showing a sensible and practical idea of what can be achieved or expected
I thought we had a realistic chance of winning
Practical
Pragmatic
His practical knowledge of engineering proved invaluable.
Realistic
Representing things in a way that is accurate and true to life
A realistic human drama
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
Realistic
Tending to or expressing an awareness of things as they really are
She gave us a realistic appraisal of our chances.
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
Realistic
Of or relating to the representation of objects, actions, or social conditions as they actually are
A realistic novel about coal mining.
Practical
So nearly the case that it can be regarded as so; virtual
For all practical purposes, she's his girlfriend
Realistic
Expressed or represented as being accurate, practicable, or not idealistic.
A realistic appraisal of the situation.
Practical
An examination or lesson in which theories and procedures learned are applied to the actual making or doing of something.
Realistic
Relating to the representation of objects, actions or conditions as they actually are or were.
A realistic novel about the Victorian poor.
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.
Realistic
Of or pertaining to the realists; in the manner of the realists; characterized by realism rather than by imagination.
Practical
Manifested in or involving practice
Practical applications of calculus.
Realistic
Aware or expressing awareness of things as they really are;
A realistic description
A realistic view of the possibilities
A realistic appraisal of our chances
The actors tried to create a realistic portrayal of the Africans
Practical
Capable of or suitable to being used or put into effect; useful
Practical knowledge of Japanese. See Usage Note at practicable.
Realistic
Representing what is real; not abstract or ideal;
Realistic portraiture
A realistic novel
In naturalistic colors
The school of naturalistic writers
Practical
Concerned with the production or operation of something useful
Woodworking is a practical art.
Realistic
Of or relating to the philosophical doctrine of realism;
A realistic system of thought
Practical
Having or showing good judgment; sensible
If we're practical, we can do the job quickly.
Realistic
Grounded in reality
He gave a realistic assessment of the budget shortfall.
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
Can a person be practical but not realistic?
Not usually; practicality often requires a realistic understanding of the situation.
Can art be practical?
Yes, especially when it incorporates functional design elements.
Is a realistic idea always feasible?
It's likely feasible, but not always the most efficient or best approach.
Are practical decisions the best choices?
They tend to be the best for functionality and efficiency.
Can practical methods be unrealistic?
Not typically; practical methods are usually grounded in what is achievable.
Does a realistic viewpoint always lead to success?
Not always; success often requires practical application as well.
What does it mean for a plan to be realistic?
It means the plan is based on what is likely to happen, considering current conditions.
How does one balance realistic and practical considerations?
By assessing what is achievable and finding the most efficient way to reach those goals.
Why is practical experience valued in the workforce?
Because it shows an ability to apply knowledge effectively in real-world situations.
Is being realistic a good quality?
Yes, as it helps in setting achievable expectations.
Is practicality important in education?
Yes, because it prepares students for real-world application of knowledge.
Can one be too realistic or too practical?
Yes, overly realistic views may limit innovation, and being too practical may ignore creative solutions.
How do realistic expectations impact motivation?
They can provide a clear target, increasing motivation by making success seem attainable.
Is it better to be realistic or practical when setting goals?
It's best to be both; set achievable goals and plan practical steps to achieve them.
Do realistic and practical mean the same in business?
Not exactly, but both are essential for a successful business strategy.
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Written 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.
