practical meaning

USAGE SUMMARY

"practical meaning" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the purpose or function of something rather than its actual or theoretical definition. For example: "The practical meaning of this law is to ensure public safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This became the practical meaning of jus gentium.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is chutzpah indeed, but there is clear and practical meaning to the remark.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet visualizing them, especially using the computer, conveys the practical meaning without demanding theoretical depth.

The New York Times - Arts

It's also suitably jazzy, sleek and monochrome and practical, meaning it's something worth showing your mates.

Independent

More than any other, it was the deal that gave a practical meaning to globalisation.

The Economist

The Constitution protects individuals against unreasonable searches, but for this protection to have practical meaning, the courts must enforce it.

The New York Times

One reason for the growing consensus is that the practical meaning of life tenure has changed dramatically in recent years.

The New York Times

Remember, too, that Mr Miliband has yet to spell out much of the practical meaning of his speech.

The Guardian - Opinion

As a result, the whole notion of netizens, or global online citizens, and of the internet being a global village could lose all practical meaning.

The Guardian

"It's a political declaration with no real practical meaning," Ivo Daalder, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington, said in an e-mail message.

The New York Times

Gradually, missionaries and government welfare agents began to have some effect, and questions of humane treatment came to have a more practical meaning.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts, clarify their "practical meaning" to ensure your audience understands the real-world implications.

Common error

Avoid assuming that statistical significance automatically translates to "practical meaning". Always evaluate the magnitude and real-world relevance of the effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "practical meaning" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object or complement within a sentence. It refers to the real-world significance or applicability of a concept, idea, or principle. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "practical meaning" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to emphasize the real-world relevance or application of a concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's prevalent across various domains, including science, news, and encyclopedias. Its primary function is to clarify the tangible implications of something, contrasting it with abstract or theoretical considerations. To ensure clarity, it's crucial to illustrate the "practical meaning" with concrete examples and avoid confusing it with mere statistical significance. Alternatives like "real-world significance" or "actual application" can be used depending on the specific context. In essence, "practical meaning" bridges the gap between theory and reality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

real-world significance

Emphasizes the actual impact or relevance in a real-world context, focusing on tangible consequences.

actual application

Highlights the implementation and use of something in a concrete, non-theoretical way.

functional relevance

Focuses on how something is useful or pertinent in its operation or purpose.

tangible implication

Stresses the concrete result or effect that something has in a practical sense.

pragmatic interpretation

Indicates an understanding or explanation that is based on practical considerations and real-world constraints.

down-to-earth value

Highlights the realistic and applicable worth or benefit that something provides.

actionable consequence

Emphasizes the result or outcome that can be directly acted upon or used in a practical manner.

operational effect

Focuses on the impact or result that something has in terms of its operation or functioning.

utilitarian purpose

Stresses the usefulness or practical aim that something serves, focusing on its functionality.

working definition

A definition that is used for practical purposes, especially when a more precise definition is not available.

FAQs

How can I best illustrate the "practical meaning" of a concept?

Provide real-world examples, case studies, or scenarios to demonstrate the concept's application and relevance. Linking theoretical knowledge to practical application will help your audience understand.

What is a good alternative to the phrase "practical meaning"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "real-world significance", "actual application", or "functional relevance".

Is "practical meaning" the same as "theoretical meaning"?

No, "practical meaning" refers to the real-world implications and applications of something, whereas theoretical meaning refers to its conceptual or abstract understanding. They are often related but distinct.

How to ensure the "practical meaning" of research findings is clear?

Clearly articulate the implications of your findings for practitioners, policymakers, or other relevant stakeholders. Focus on how the research can be used to inform decisions or improve practices.