Practical vs. Theoretical — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 11, 2024
Practical knowledge is gained through experience and applying information, whereas theoretical knowledge is understanding concepts and principles not yet applied.
Difference Between Practical and Theoretical
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Practical knowledge emphasizes skills and applications that can be used in real-world situations, focusing on hands-on experience and actionable outcomes. It is often derived from doing and experimenting. Whereas theoretical knowledge involves understanding fundamental ideas, principles, and theories that explain why things happen and how they work, often without immediate application to real-world scenarios.
Practical learning is essential in fields that require direct action and physical skill, such as engineering, medicine, and art, where proficiency comes from doing rather than just knowing. On the other hand, theoretical learning is crucial for disciplines that rely on conceptual understanding and foundational knowledge, such as mathematics, physics, and philosophy, where deep insights into abstract concepts are valued.
In practical education, assessments are often based on the ability to perform tasks, solve problems, or create products, reflecting real-life challenges and solutions. Whereas in theoretical education, evaluation typically involves tests, quizzes, and papers that measure understanding of concepts, principles, and the ability to think critically about abstract issues.
The value of practical knowledge lies in its direct applicability to tasks, problem-solving, and innovation in various fields, enabling individuals to execute and implement solutions effectively. Theoretical knowledge, however, provides the necessary foundation for understanding complex systems, contributing to the development of new ideas, theories, and advancements across disciplines.
Both practical and theoretical knowledge are interdependent, with practical applications often inspiring new theories and theoretical discoveries leading to practical innovations. This synergy drives progress and development in both scientific and applied fields, highlighting the importance of balancing both types of knowledge.
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Comparison Chart
Focus
Application and execution
Understanding and conceptualization
Learning Method
Hands-on experience, experimentation
Reading, lecturing, analyzing
Evaluation
Performance-based (tasks, problem-solving)
Concept-based (tests, quizzes)
Fields
Engineering, medicine, art
Mathematics, physics, philosophy
Value
Direct applicability, problem-solving
Foundation for complex understanding, innovation
Compare with Definitions
Practical
Involves direct application and use of knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Learning to cook by preparing meals.
Theoretical
Concerns the understanding of fundamental principles and ideas.
Studying the theory of relativity in physics.
Practical
Enhances employability and problem-solving abilities.
Medical students gain practical experience through clinical rotations.
Theoretical
Prioritizes knowledge and understanding over application.
A mathematics degree involves understanding abstract theories.
Practical
Emphasizes doing and experiencing.
Internships offer practical skills through real work experiences.
Theoretical
Provides a foundation for future innovation and discovery.
Theoretical research in biology can lead to breakthroughs in medicin
Practical
Based on ability to perform tasks and solve problems.
A pilot's training is assessed through flight simulations and actual flying.
Theoretical
Prevalent in academic and research-oriented disciplines.
Theoretical physics explores concepts that may not have immediate applications.
Practical
Common in vocational and technical education.
Apprenticeships in carpentry focus on hands-on skill development.
Theoretical
Measured through tests and analytical writing.
Philosophy students are evaluated on their understanding of theoretical texts.
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
Theoretical
Concerned with or involving the theory of a subject or area of study rather than its practical application
The training is practical rather than theoretical
A theoretical physicist
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
Theoretical
Of, relating to, or based on theory.
Practical
So nearly the case that it can be regarded as so; virtual
For all practical purposes, she's his girlfriend
Theoretical
Restricted to theory; not practical or applied
Theoretical physics.
Practical
An examination or lesson in which theories and procedures learned are applied to the actual making or doing of something.
Theoretical
Studying or working to develop theory.
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.
Theoretical
Of or relating to theory; abstract; not empirical.
Practical
Manifested in or involving practice
Practical applications of calculus.
Theoretical
Concerned primarily with theories or hypotheses rather than practical considerations;
Theoretical science
Practical
Capable of or suitable to being used or put into effect; useful
Practical knowledge of Japanese. See Usage Note at practicable.
Theoretical
Concerned with theories rather than their practical applications;
Theoretical physics
Practical
Concerned with the production or operation of something useful
Woodworking is a practical art.
Theoretical
Based on specialized theory;
A theoretical analysis
Practical
Having or showing good judgment; sensible
If we're practical, we can do the job quickly.
Practical
Being actually so in almost every respect; virtual
The snowstorm was a practical disaster.
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.
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.
Practical
Of a person, having skills or knowledge that are practical
All in all, Jack's a very practical chap.
Practical
Of a prop: having some degree of functionality, rather than being a mere imitation.
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.
Practical
(British) A part of an exam or series of exams in which the candidate has to demonstrate their practical ability
Practical
(theater) A prop that has some degree of functionality, rather than being a mere imitation.
Practical
(film) A light fixture used for set lighting and seen in the frame of a shot as part of the scenery.
Practical
Laboratory experiment, test or investigation
Practical
Of or pertaining to practice or action.
Practical
Capable of being turned to use or account; useful, in distinction from ideal or theoretical; as, practical chemistry.
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
Being actually such in almost every respect;
A practical failure
The once elegant temple lay in virtual ruin
Practical
Having or put to a practical purpose or use;
Practical mathematics
Practical applications of calculus
Common Curiosities
What is theoretical knowledge?
Theoretical knowledge is the understanding of fundamental concepts, principles, and theories that explain why things happen.
How do practical and theoretical knowledge differ in assessment?
Practical knowledge is assessed through performance and problem-solving, while theoretical knowledge is evaluated via tests and written analysis.
In which fields is theoretical knowledge more emphasized?
Disciplines such as mathematics, physics, and philosophy, where conceptual understanding is key.
What is practical knowledge?
Practical knowledge is skills and experience gained through direct application and execution in real-world scenarios.
Why is practical knowledge important?
It is crucial for applying information to solve real-world problems and for tasks requiring hands-on skills.
Why is theoretical knowledge important?
It provides the foundational understanding necessary for innovation, critical thinking, and the advancement of various fields.
How does practical knowledge benefit professionals?
It enhances employability, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to apply concepts effectively in their field.
Can practical and theoretical knowledge be integrated?
Yes, integrating both can lead to comprehensive understanding and innovation, as practical experiences can inspire theoretical advancements, and vice versa.
Can one have theoretical knowledge without practical knowledge?
Yes, one can understand theories and concepts without having applied them in real-world situations, especially in academic settings.
In which fields is practical knowledge more emphasized?
Fields like engineering, medicine, and art, where hands-on skills and direct application are vital.
How are students evaluated in practical education?
Through their ability to perform tasks, solve problems, and produce tangible results.
How does theoretical knowledge benefit professionals?
It provides a deep understanding of their field, enabling them to innovate, research, and develop new theories.
Is one type of knowledge more valuable than the other?
Both are equally important, serving different purposes and complementing each other in personal and professional development.
Can one have practical knowledge without theoretical knowledge?
Yes, it's possible to have practical skills without fully understanding the underlying theories, especially in task-oriented professions.
How are students evaluated in theoretical education?
By their understanding of concepts and ability to analyze and write critically about abstract issues.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
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.
