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Theoretical vs. Practical

Theoretical and Practical Definitions

Theoretical

Of, relating to, or based on theory.

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.

Theoretical

Restricted to theory; not practical or applied
Theoretical physics.

Practical

Manifested in or involving practice
Practical applications of calculus.

Theoretical

Studying or working to develop theory.

Practical

Capable of or suitable to being used or put into effect; useful
Practical knowledge of Japanese. See Usage Note at practicable.
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Theoretical

Of or relating to theory; abstract; not empirical.

Practical

Concerned with the production or operation of something useful
Woodworking is a practical art.

Theoretical

Concerned primarily with theories or hypotheses rather than practical considerations;
Theoretical science

Practical

Having or showing good judgment; sensible
If we're practical, we can do the job quickly.

Theoretical

Concerned with theories rather than their practical applications;
Theoretical physics

Practical

Being actually so in almost every respect; virtual
The snowstorm was a practical disaster.
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Theoretical

Based on specialized theory;
A theoretical analysis

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.
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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

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