Practical vs. Experiment — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 2, 2023
Practical refers to real-world skills or knowledge that are relevant and useful, while an experiment is a scientific procedure to make a discovery or test a hypothesis.
Difference Between Practical and Experiment
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Practical activities focus on real-world applications and hands-on skills. Experiments are designed to test theories and explore new information through controlled conditions.
A practical approach often emphasizes utility and efficiency in everyday situations. An experiment, on the other hand, values methodical exploration and empirical evidence.
Practical knowledge can be gained through experience and is directly applicable to tasks or problems. Experiments require a structured investigation that may lead to theoretical insights rather than immediate solutions.
Practical work aims to refine skills or techniques that are already somewhat understood. Experiments may venture into unknown territory, seeking to expand or challenge current understanding.
In education, practicals usually involve exercises that apply learned theories. Experiments are conducted to demonstrate or discover the principles behind those theories.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Involving real-world application
A test under controlled conditions
Purpose
To apply knowledge
To gain new knowledge
Nature
Hands-on, skill-based
Investigative, theory-testing
Outcome
Immediate applicability
Potential discovery or confirmation
Setting
Often industry or field-specific
Laboratory or field study
Compare with Definitions
Practical
Pertaining to practice or action, especially as opposed to theory.
Her practical experience was invaluable in solving the technical issues.
Experiment
The testing of a hypothesis in conditions that are under control.
The biology students set up an experiment to observe cellular reactions.
Practical
Capable of being done or carried out; feasible.
The designer's ideas were creative but not practical for our budget.
Experiment
An act or operation for the purpose of discovering something unknown.
She started an experiment in her garage which eventually led to a major scientific breakthrough.
Practical
Being actually such in almost every respect;
A practical failure
The once elegant temple lay in virtual ruin
Experiment
A scientific procedure undertaken to make a discovery, test a hypothesis, or demonstrate a known fact.
They conducted an experiment to test the new drug's effectiveness.
Practical
Concerned with the actual doing or use of something rather than with theory and ideas.
They offered a practical demonstration of the new software.
Experiment
Trying out a new procedure, idea, or activity.
The school is experimenting with new teaching methods to improve student engagement.
Practical
Of or concerned with the actual doing or use of something rather than with theory.
The course includes practical computer sessions.
Experiment
A test under controlled conditions that is made to demonstrate a known truth, examine the validity of a hypothesis, or determine the efficacy of something previously untried.
Practical
Of or concerned with the actual doing or use of something rather than with theory and ideas
There are two obvious practical applications of the research
Experiment
A course of action tentatively adopted without being sure of the eventual outcome.
The company's online advertising campaign was an experiment in digital marketing.
Practical
(of an idea, plan, or method) likely to succeed or be effective in real circumstances; feasible
Neither of these strategies are practical for smaller businesses
Experiment
An experiment is a procedure carried out to support or refute a hypothesis. Experiments provide insight into cause-and-effect by demonstrating what outcome occurs when a particular factor is manipulated.
Practical
So nearly the case that it can be regarded as so; virtual
For all practical purposes, she's his girlfriend
Experiment
The process of conducting such a test; experimentation.
Practical
An examination or lesson in which theories and procedures learned are applied to the actual making or doing of something.
Experiment
An innovative act or procedure
"Democracy is only an experiment in government" (William Ralph Inge).
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.
Experiment
The result of experimentation
"We are not [nature's] only experiment" (R. Buckminster Fuller).
Practical
Manifested in or involving practice
Practical applications of calculus.
Experiment
To conduct an experiment.
Practical
Capable of or suitable to being used or put into effect; useful
Practical knowledge of Japanese. See Usage Note at practicable.
Experiment
To try something new, especially in order to gain experience
Experiment with new methods of teaching.
Practical
Concerned with the production or operation of something useful
Woodworking is a practical art.
Experiment
A test under controlled conditions made to either demonstrate a known truth, examine the validity of a hypothesis, or determine the efficacy or likelihood of something previously untried.
Conduct an experiment
Carry out some experiments
Perform a scientific experiment
Practical
Having or showing good judgment; sensible
If we're practical, we can do the job quickly.
Experiment
(obsolete) Experience, practical familiarity with something.
Practical
Being actually so in almost every respect; virtual
The snowstorm was a practical disaster.
Experiment
(intransitive) To conduct an experiment.
We're going to experiment on rats.
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.
Experiment
To experience; to feel; to perceive; to detect.
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.
Experiment
To test or ascertain by experiment; to try out; to make an experiment on.
Practical
Of a person, having skills or knowledge that are practical
All in all, Jack's a very practical chap.
Experiment
A trial or special observation, made to confirm or disprove something uncertain; esp., one under controlled conditions determined by the experimenter; an act or operation undertaken in order to discover some unknown principle or effect, or to test, establish, or illustrate some hypothesis, theory, or known truth; practical test; proof.
A political experiment can not be made in a laboratory, nor determined in a few hours.
Practical
Of a prop: having some degree of functionality, rather than being a mere imitation.
Experiment
Experience.
Adam, by sad experiment I knowHow little weight my words with thee can find.
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.
Experiment
To make experiment; to operate by test or trial; - often with on, upon, or in, referring to the subject of an experiment; with, referring to the instrument; and by, referring to the means; as, to experiment upon electricity; he experimented in plowing with ponies, or by steam power.
Practical
(British) A part of an exam or series of exams in which the candidate has to demonstrate their practical ability
Experiment
To try; to know, perceive, or prove, by trial or experience.
Practical
(theater) A prop that has some degree of functionality, rather than being a mere imitation.
Experiment
The act of conducting a controlled test or investigation
Practical
(film) A light fixture used for set lighting and seen in the frame of a shot as part of the scenery.
Experiment
The testing of an idea;
It was an experiment in living
Not all experimentation is done in laboratories
Practical
Laboratory experiment, test or investigation
Experiment
A venture at something new or different;
As an experiment he decided to grow a beard
Practical
Of or pertaining to practice or action.
Experiment
To conduct a test or investigation;
We are experimenting with the new drug in order to fight this disease
Practical
Capable of being turned to use or account; useful, in distinction from ideal or theoretical; as, practical chemistry.
Experiment
Try something new, as in order to gain experience;
Students experiment sexually
The composer experimented with a new style
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
Having or put to a practical purpose or use;
Practical mathematics
Practical applications of calculus
Practical
Having or put to a practical purpose or use.
She favored practical clothing that could withstand her fieldwork.
Common Curiosities
What is the purpose of an experiment?
The purpose of an experiment is to test hypotheses, make discoveries, or demonstrate facts.
What role do experiments play in science?
Experiments are central to science as they test theories and contribute to empirical knowledge.
Are practical skills only learned through work experience?
No, practical skills can be learned through various means, including education and personal practice.
Do experiments always follow a scientific method?
Yes, proper experiments typically follow a structured scientific method.
What is a controlled experiment?
A controlled experiment is one in which all variables are controlled except for the one being tested.
How important is repeatability in an experiment?
Repeatability is crucial for verifying results and scientific credibility.
Are experiments conducted only by scientists?
No, experiments can be conducted by anyone interested in testing a hypothesis or exploring an idea.
Do all practical jobs require physical skills?
Not all; some practical jobs may require technical, digital, or other non-physical skills.
What does practical mean in education?
In education, practical refers to hands-on learning and application of skills.
Can practical knowledge be theoretical?
No, practical knowledge is based on real-world application, not theory.
Is a practical always manual work?
Not necessarily; practical work can involve problem-solving and application of knowledge that may not be manual.
Can practical exercises be part of an experiment?
Yes, practical exercises can be part of the experimental process, especially in educational settings.
Are experiments always successful?
Experiments can fail to prove a hypothesis but can still yield valuable data.
Can something be practical but not ethical?
Yes, some practical actions may not be ethical, depending on context and consequences.
Can an experiment be practical?
Yes, experiments can have practical applications, especially when they lead to the development of new technologies or processes.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
