practical

The definition of practical is sensible or usable.

(adjective)

An example of practical is a plan to set aside some portion of a generous income to buy an affordable car.

See practical in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

of, exhibited in, or obtained through practice or action: practical knowledge
1. usable; workable; useful and sensible: practical proposals
2. designed for use; utilitarian
concerned with the application of knowledge to useful ends, rather than with theory, speculation, etc.: practical science
given to, or experienced from, actual practice: a practical farmer
of, concerned with, or dealing realistically and sensibly with everyday activities, work, etc.
that is so in practice, whether or not in theory, law, etc.; virtual
matter-of-fact; prosaic

Origin: practic + -al

Related Forms:

See practical in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Of, relating to, governed by, or acquired through practice or action, rather than theory, speculation, or ideals: gained practical experience of sailing as a deck hand.
Manifested in or involving practice: practical applications of calculus.
Actually engaged in a specified occupation or a certain kind of work; practicing.
Capable of or suitable to being used or put into effect; useful: practical knowledge of Japanese. See Usage Note at practicable.
Concerned with the production or operation of something useful: Woodworking is a practical art.
Level-headed, efficient, and unspeculative.
Being actually so in almost every respect; virtual: a practical disaster.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English practicale

Origin: , from Medieval Latin prācticālis

Origin: , from prāctica, practice; see practicable

Related Forms: