Meaning & use
practicably
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Meanings
adverbformalrare
In a way that can actually be done or carried out successfully.
Grammar: Modifies a verb or whole clause: the plan can be practicably achieved.
Patterns
- do something practicably
- be practicably possible
- practicably achieved
The two departments agreed to divide the work practicably, so neither team was overloaded.
If the repairs cannot be practicably completed before winter, the building will stay closed.
We need to decide practicably which of the three options we can really afford.
adverbformal
In a way that is sensible and suited to real conditions rather than theory.
Grammar: Often contrasts with an ideal or theoretical approach: think practicably, not ideally.
Patterns
- think practicably
- act practicably
- approach something practicably
She approached the problem practicably, asking what the staff could manage this month.
Rather than dream about a huge new library, the council acted practicably and extended opening hours.
Common combinations
- practicably possible
- The company will move the office only if it is practicably possible this year.
- practicably achieved
- The targets were practicably achieved within the existing budget.
- be practicably completed
- The bridge repairs can be practicably completed before the tourist season.
- divide something practicably
- They divided the tasks practicably between the two teams.
Synonyms and how they differ
- feasibly
- Feasibly stresses that something is technically possible, while practicably also suggests it makes sense in real conditions.
- realistically
- Realistically focuses on what is reasonable to expect; practicably focuses more on whether a plan can actually be carried out.
- workably
- Workably means it can function in practice, often about systems or arrangements, and is even rarer than practicably.
Opposites
Word family
- practicable adjective
- Able to be done or put into practice.
- practicability noun
- The quality of being able to be done.
- practical adjective
- Useful or sensible in real situations; not the same as practicable.
- practically adverb
- Almost, or in a sensible real-world way; much more common than practicably.
Commonly confused: practicably or practically?
practicably vs practically
Practically usually means 'almost' (practically finished) or 'in a sensible way'. Practicably means 'in a way that can actually be done' and is far rarer.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'practicably' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Practicably' means in a way that can really be done, so dividing work practicably fits. Options An and D mean 'almost' or simply describe a habit, which need 'practically'; option C describes a skill or degree and also needs 'practically'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “practicably”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.