Revised as of
17 Dec 2022
At first glance, practicable and practical mean the same thing, except that practicable is the possibilities, how feasible this idea might be. Practical, on the other hand, is more realistic and is the commonsense way of actually doing.
Word Confusions . . .
. . . started as my way of dealing with a professional frustration with properly spelled words that were out of context in manuscripts I was editing as well as books I was reviewing. It evolved into a sharing of information with y’all. I’m hoping you’ll share with us words that have been a bête noire for you from either end.
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Practicable | Practical |
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Part of Grammar: | |
Adjective | Adjective |
Theoretical
Able to be done or put into practice successfully
Effected Feasible [Theater; of a stage property or part of a set] Designed or constructed for actual use |
Realistic
Of or concerned with the actual doing or use of something rather than with theory and ideas
Mindful of the results, usefulness, advantages, or disadvantages, etc., of action or procedure Virtual Consisting of, involving, or resulting from practice or action Of, relating to, or concerned with ordinary activities, business, or work Engaged or experienced in actual practice or work Inclined toward or fitted for actual work or useful activities |
Examples: | |
The measures will be put into effect as soon as is reasonably practicable.
Signal processing can let you transform a signal into a practicable form. We found a practicable solution to the problem. We needed a more practicable way of entry. Teachers can only be expected to do what is practicable. |
There are two obvious practical applications of the research.
Neither of these strategies is practical for smaller businesses. It was a practical, stylish kitchen. I’m not unfeeling, just trying to be practical. Steve’ll fix it — he’s quite practical. It was a practical certainty that he would try to raise more money. She was a practical politician credited with much legislation. He’s a habitual dreamer, who can’t be bothered with practical affairs. Yes, but we’re looking for a practical person to fill this position. |
Derivatives: | |
Adjective: nonpracticable Adverb: practicably Noun: nonpracticableness, nonpracticability, practicability, practicableness |
Adjective: nonpractical Adverb: nonpractically Noun: nonpracticalness, nonpracticality, practicality, practicalness |
History of the Word: | |
Mid-17th century from the French praticable, which is from pratiquer meaning put into practice. | Late 16th century from the archaic practic meaning practical (from the Old French practique, via the late Latin from the Greek praktikos meaning concerned with action, from prattein meaning do, act) + -al. |
C’mon, get it out of your system, bitch, whine, moan . . . which words are your pet peeves? Also, please note that I try to be as accurate as I can, but mistakes happen or I miss something. Email me if you find errors, so I can fix them . . . and we’ll all benefit!
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Resources for Practicable versus Practical
Apple Dictionary.com
Dictionary.com: practicable, practical
The Free Dictionary: practicable
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