Practical vs. Technical — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 3, 2024
Practical knowledge focuses on skills and actions for specific tasks, while technical knowledge dives into understanding systems, processes, and theoretical concepts.
Difference Between Practical and Technical
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Practical knowledge is rooted in direct experience and hands-on activities. It emphasizes the ability to perform tasks, apply procedures, and use tools effectively in real-world situations. For instance, practical knowledge in cooking involves knowing how to chop vegetables or sauté meat. On the other hand, technical knowledge encompasses a deeper understanding of the theories, principles, and mechanics behind systems and processes. It's more about the "why" and "how" things work the way they do. In the context of cooking, technical knowledge would include understanding the chemical reactions that occur while baking bread.
Practical knowledge is often acquired through doing and reflecting on the experience. It is essential for day-to-day problem-solving and efficient task execution. In contrast, technical knowledge typically requires formal education, reading, and study. It provides a foundation for innovation, troubleshooting, and enhancing the effectiveness of practical skills. For example, a mechanic with practical skills can repair a car, but with technical knowledge, they can diagnose complex issues and design new automotive solutions.
The value of practical and technical knowledge varies by profession and situation. Some roles demand a higher degree of practical knowledge for immediate action and results, such as nurses administering care. Others, like engineers, rely more heavily on technical knowledge to design solutions and understand complex systems. However, the most effective professionals often blend both types of knowledge, applying technical principles to practical scenarios for optimal outcomes.
Another key difference is in the way knowledge is validated and shared. Practical knowledge can be demonstrated through performance and results, making it somewhat subjective and tied to individual experience. Technical knowledge, however, is often validated through certifications, degrees, and peer-reviewed research, making it more objective and universally recognized.
Despite these differences, practical and technical knowledge are not mutually exclusive but complementary. Mastery in most fields requires a balance of both, ensuring not only the ability to perform tasks but also to innovate and improve upon existing methods.
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Comparison Chart
Focus
Doing and application
Understanding theories and systems
Acquisition
Through experience and practice
Through formal education and study
Example Professions
Tradespeople, artists, chefs
Scientists, engineers, IT professionals
Value
Essential for task execution and problem-solving
Foundation for innovation and troubleshooting
Validation
Demonstrated through performance
Often requires certifications and degrees
Compare with Definitions
Practical
Involves learning by doing.
Apprenticeships offer valuable practical knowledge in trades.
Technical
Deep understanding of the principles behind processes and systems.
Her technical knowledge in robotics is extensive.
Practical
Tailored to specific tasks or challenges.
She gained practical knowledge in bike repair through volunteering at a local shop.
Technical
Requires study and formal education.
Technical courses in computer science cover programming languages and algorithms.
Practical
Focuses on efficiency and effectiveness.
His practical knowledge of carpentry speeds up the construction process.
Technical
Basis for innovation and complex problem-solving.
Technical knowledge in material science leads to developing stronger alloys.
Practical
Skills and know-how acquired through direct experience.
Her practical knowledge of gardening comes from years of tending her own garden.
Technical
Validated through certifications and degrees.
He holds several certifications proving his technical knowledge in network security.
Practical
Emphasizes hands-on abilities and direct application.
Practical workshops help students apply what they've learned in real-world scenarios.
Technical
Often involves specialization in a particular field.
Her technical knowledge of database management systems makes her a valuable asset.
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
Technical
Of or relating to technique
A technical procedure.
Great technical skill in playing the violin.
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
Technical
Having or demonstrating special skill or practical knowledge especially in a mechanical or scientific field
A technical adviser.
Technical expertise in digital photography.
Practical
So nearly the case that it can be regarded as so; virtual
For all practical purposes, she's his girlfriend
Technical
Used in or peculiar to a specific field or profession; specialized
Technical jargon.
Practical
An examination or lesson in which theories and procedures learned are applied to the actual making or doing of something.
Technical
Requiring advanced skills or specialized equipment
Technical mountain climbing.
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.
Technical
Of or relating to the practical, mechanical, or industrial arts or to the applied sciences
A technical institute.
Practical
Manifested in or involving practice
Practical applications of calculus.
Technical
Of or relating to technology or technological studies
A technical breakthrough in the manufacture of solar panels.
A technical journal.
Practical
Capable of or suitable to being used or put into effect; useful
Practical knowledge of Japanese. See Usage Note at practicable.
Technical
Of or involving electronic or mechanical equipment
A broadcast interrupted by technical difficulties.
Practical
Concerned with the production or operation of something useful
Woodworking is a practical art.
Technical
Of or relating to information technology
Called technical support when the computers broke down.
Practical
Having or showing good judgment; sensible
If we're practical, we can do the job quickly.
Technical
Of, relating to, or employing the methodology of science; scientific
Technical data.
A technical analysis.
Practical
Being actually so in almost every respect; virtual
The snowstorm was a practical disaster.
Technical
In strict conformance to a law, regulation, or procedure
Was held on a technical charge of vagrancy.
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.
Technical
Strictly or narrowly defined
“It was a Federal victory only in the technical sense that the Army of the Potomac was left in possession of the field” (Edwin C. Fishel).
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.
Technical
Based on analysis or principle; theoretical rather than practical
A technical advantage.
Practical
Of a person, having skills or knowledge that are practical
All in all, Jack's a very practical chap.
Technical
Relating to or based on market indicators, such as trading volume and fluctuations in securities prices, rather than underlying economic factors such as corporate earnings, inflation, and unemployment
A technical analysis of market conditions.
Practical
Of a prop: having some degree of functionality, rather than being a mere imitation.
Technical
(Sports) A technical foul.
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.
Technical
Specifically related to a particular discipline.
Practical
(British) A part of an exam or series of exams in which the candidate has to demonstrate their practical ability
Technical
Of or related to technology.
Practical
(theater) A prop that has some degree of functionality, rather than being a mere imitation.
Technical
(of a person) Technically-minded; adept with science and technology.
Practical
(film) A light fixture used for set lighting and seen in the frame of a shot as part of the scenery.
Technical
Relating to, or requiring, technique.
The performance showed technical virtuosity, but lacked inspiration.
Practical
Laboratory experiment, test or investigation
Technical
Requiring advanced techniques for successful completion.
Practical
Of or pertaining to practice or action.
Technical
(securities and other markets) Relating to the internal mechanics of a market rather than more basic factors.
The market had a technical rally, due to an oversold condition.
Practical
Capable of being turned to use or account; useful, in distinction from ideal or theoretical; as, practical chemistry.
Technical
In the strictest sense, but not practically or meaningfully.
Crossing the front lawn of that house to get to the mailbox was a technical trespass.
Practical
Evincing practice or skill; capable of applying knowledge to some useful end; as, a practical man; a practical mind.
Technical
(basketball) technical foul
Practical
Derived from practice; as, practical skill.
Technical
(video games) A special move in certain fighting games that cancels out the effect of an opponent's attack.
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
Technical
Of or pertaining to the useful or mechanic arts, or to any science, business, or the like; specially appropriate to any art, science, or business; as, the words of an indictment must be technical.
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
Technical
(basketball) a foul that that can be assessed on a player or a coach or a team for unsportsmanlike conduct; does not usually involve physical contact during play
Practical
Being actually such in almost every respect;
A practical failure
The once elegant temple lay in virtual ruin
Technical
Of or relating to technique;
Technical innovation in recent novels
Technical details
Practical
Having or put to a practical purpose or use;
Practical mathematics
Practical applications of calculus
Technical
Characterizing or showing skill in or specialized knowledge of applied arts and sciences;
A technical problem
Highly technical matters hardly suitable for the general public
A technical report
Producing the A-bomb was a challenge to the technical people of this country
Technical training
Technical language
Technical
Of or relating to proficiency in a practical skill;
No amount of technical skill and craftsmanship can take the place of vital interest
Technical
Of or relating to a practical subject that is organized according to scientific principles;
Technical college
Technological development
Technical
Resulting from or dependent on market factors rather than fundamental economic considerations;
Analysts content that the stock market is due for a technical rally
The fall is only a technical correction
Technical
Of production of chemicals for commercial purposes especially on a large scale;
Technical (or commercial) sulfuric acid
Common Curiosities
Why is practical knowledge important?
It's crucial for the immediate application, problem-solving, and efficient execution of tasks in real-world scenarios.
What role does technical knowledge play in innovation?
It provides the foundation for understanding complex systems and developing new solutions or improvements to existing processes.
What is practical knowledge?
Practical knowledge refers to the skills and abilities gained through direct experience and hands-on activities, focusing on applying procedures and using tools effectively.
How does technical knowledge differ from practical knowledge?
Technical knowledge dives into the theories, principles, and mechanics behind systems and processes, often requiring formal education and study, unlike the hands-on focus of practical knowledge.
How is practical knowledge validated?
Through performance and results, rather than formal certifications or degrees.
Can someone have technical knowledge without practical knowledge?
Yes, it's possible to understand the theory behind processes without having hands-on experience, though combining both types of knowledge is generally more effective.
Is technical knowledge more valuable than practical knowledge?
The value depends on the context and profession; both types of knowledge are important and often complementary.
How can one acquire practical knowledge?
Through direct experience, practice, and sometimes through apprenticeships or workshops that focus on hands-on activities.
Do professions require a balance of practical and technical knowledge?
Many professions benefit from a blend of both, as practical knowledge allows for effective task execution while technical knowledge supports troubleshooting and innovation.
Can practical knowledge be shared in the same way as technical knowledge?
While practical knowledge can be demonstrated and taught through hands-on instruction, technical knowledge is often shared through more formal means like textbooks, courses, and certifications.
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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.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
