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To begin your search, go to the alphabetical index below and click on the first letter of the word you are searching for.

practicable, practical

Practicable refers to what is possible. It never describes people.

  • Your plan is not practicable; it cannot be carried out in the time available.

Practical refers to people, procedures or objects that are useful or realistic.

  • A pocket knife is a practical item to take on a hike.
  • Engineers are practical people who apply theory and technology to solve problems.

Thus, a practical solution is practicable (feasible), but a practicable (possible) solution is not always practical (realistic).

  • It may be practicable to live in a tree, but it is not practical.