Thursday, October 2, 2014

practical, practicable

Practical or practical describes something related to everyday life, work, or business--
He's a practical  man; he likes to talk about work, but not much else.
Practical also means suited for or designed for actual use--
He is studying practical math, the kind used in business.
We get closer to a practical working robot every year.
Practical also means able to think in terms of advantages or disadvantages; of the outcome or consequences; matter-of-fact--
If they get emotional, remind them to be practical.
This talk of values is getting us nowhere; we need to think in practical terms.
Practical also means in effect, or as in actual use--
We have to plan for bad weather; it's a practical certainty.
Pratical describes someone skilled in getting along in everyday life, someone who considers needs before wants or fancies--
She's a practical woman; she always has the house taken care of, and money left at the end of the month.

Practicable or practicable describes something that can be done with the means available; something feasible--
We need a practicable solution, one the county treasury can afford.
Given the time constraints, what would be a practicable alternative?
Practicable also describes a working part of a theater set, as opposed to something made only for show--
We'll need to construct a practicable faucet, one she can turn on and off during the performance.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"No more philosophical digressions; let's be practical, and try to work out a practicable arrangement."

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