practicable - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
practicable Word Meanings
- capable of being done or put into practice
- feasible or workable
- possible to implement
practicable Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
practicable Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈpræktɪkəbl/
US
/ˈpræktɪkəbl/
practicable Word Etymology
Root decomposition: 'practic-' (from Latin 'practicus') + '-able' (capable of). Historical origin: Latin 'practicus' → Old French 'practique' → English 'practicable'. Memory image: Imagine a toolbox labeled 'practicable' filled with tools you can actually use, illustrating the concept of achieving what is feasible.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Practicable is a formal adjective meaning capable of being put into practice. It emphasizes real feasibility under given resources, time, and constraints. In everyday speech, people often prefer feasible or workable, but practicable appears in policy, legal, or technical writing where a plan, method, or solution must be realistically implementable. It does not describe moral practicality, but the concrete ability to carry out an action. Compare: a practicable solution versus a practical solution (the latter stresses usefulness or convenience). Example: The committee concluded that a practicable rollout is possible within six months with existing staff, equipment, and budget.
Usage Reminders
- 1) Practicable is formal; use it for implementable plans or policies.
- 2) It often overlaps with feasible or workable but implies concrete action.
- 3) Do not use practicable to mean merely useful or instrumental.
- 4) Pair with nouns like solution, plan, or alternative.
- 5) Be mindful of audience: avoid in casual speech.
Common Misconceptions
- It means physically able to do something, like strength or ability.
- It is the same as practical or practicality.
- It is widely used in casual speech.
- It describes moral or ethical feasibility.
- It is always interchangeable with feasible.
Thinking Differences
In English contexts, practicable sits between feasible and workable, often in formal writing. Learners tend to overuse it in casual speech and may confuse it with practical, which focuses on usefulness rather than feasibility.
Learning Tips
- Compare practicable with feasible and workable to feel subtle connotations.
- Use with nouns like plan, solution, or approach to emphasize implementation.
- Read formal contracts or policy documents to see authentic usage.
- Create a mini-glossary of synonyms and note when each fits best.
- Practice with real-world scenarios (budget, timelines, resources).
- Avoid using in casual speech; save for formal writing.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does 'practicable' mean?
A.Able to be done or put into practice
B.Related to the practice of a skill
C.A type of practical joke
D.A description of something that is delicate
Step 2: Usage
Choose the sentence that uses 'practicable' correctly.
A.The plan was impracticable due to lack of resources.
B.It is not practicable to learn guitar in one day.
C.She used a practicable solution to the problem.
D.The weather was too practicable for a picnic.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'practicable'?
A.Unthinkable
B.Feasible
C.Abstract
D.Theoretical
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'practicable'?
A.Possible
B.Impracticable
C.Achievable
D.Realistic
Step 5: Mastery
Give an example of a real-life scenario where something is practicable.
A.It is important to choose workable solutions for problems.
B.She knows that the project is not feasible under the current conditions.
C.They found a method that can actually be implemented efficiently.
D.Developing new strategies is necessary for success.
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