Practical vs Reasonable: Meaning And Differences

When it comes to making decisions, we often find ourselves weighing the options between what is practical and what is reasonable. But what do these words really mean? Are they interchangeable? Let’s take a closer look.

It’s important to note that while practical and reasonable may seem similar, they do have distinct differences. Practical refers to something that is useful and functional, while reasonable refers to something that is fair and logical.

So, which is the proper word to use? The answer is that it depends on the situation. Sometimes, what is practical may also be reasonable, and vice versa. However, there are times when one may be more appropriate than the other.

In this article, we’ll explore the differences between practical and reasonable, and when it’s best to use each term.

Define Practical

Practical refers to something that is based on experience and actual situations rather than theory or speculation. It is concerned with the actual doing or use of something rather than with theory and ideas. Practical solutions are those that can be applied in the real world to solve problems and achieve goals.

For example, a practical approach to weight loss would involve making small, sustainable changes to one’s diet and exercise routine rather than trying to follow a strict, unsustainable regimen. A practical car is one that is reliable, fuel-efficient, and easy to maintain, rather than one that is flashy or expensive.

Practicality is often associated with efficiency, simplicity, and functionality. A practical person is someone who is able to solve problems and make decisions based on practical considerations rather than emotional or ideological ones.

Define Reasonable

Reasonable refers to something that is fair, logical, and justifiable. It is based on sound judgment and common sense rather than on arbitrary or irrational factors. A reasonable decision or action is one that can be explained and defended using rational arguments and evidence.

For example, a reasonable rent increase would be one that is based on market rates and the cost of maintaining the property, rather than on the landlord’s desire for higher profits. A reasonable expectation for a job candidate would be to have the necessary qualifications and experience for the position, rather than to meet arbitrary or discriminatory criteria.

Reasonableness is often associated with objectivity, impartiality, and fairness. A reasonable person is someone who is able to evaluate situations and make decisions based on reason and evidence rather than on emotion or bias.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right words in a sentence can make all the difference in how your message is perceived. Two commonly used words that are often confused are practical and reasonable. In this section, we will explore the correct usage of these words in a sentence.

How To Use Practical In A Sentence

The word practical is an adjective that refers to something that is useful, sensible, or pragmatic. Here are some examples of how to use practical in a sentence:

• The new software is practical for small businesses.
• Her approach to problem-solving is always practical and efficient.
• The company’s decision to invest in new equipment was a practical choice.

It is important to note that practical can also be used to describe a person who is focused on practical matters rather than theory or speculation. For example:

• John is a practical man who always looks for solutions that work in the real world.
• She is a practical thinker who can quickly identify the most efficient way to complete a task.

How To Use Reasonable In A Sentence

The word reasonable is an adjective that means something is fair, logical, or sensible. Here are some examples of how to use reasonable in a sentence:

• The company’s decision to increase prices was reasonable given the current market conditions.
• It is reasonable to expect employees to work a reasonable number of hours each week.
• The judge’s ruling was reasonable based on the evidence presented in court.

It is important to note that reasonable can also be used to describe a person who is open to reason or willing to listen to others. For example:

• He is a reasonable boss who always takes the time to listen to his employees’ concerns.
• She is a reasonable negotiator who is willing to compromise to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

More Examples Of Practical & Reasonable Used In Sentences

In order to better understand the difference between practical and reasonable, it’s important to see them in context. Here are some examples of how these words can be used in sentences:

Examples Of Using Practical In A Sentence

• It’s practical to bring an umbrella when it’s raining outside.
• The new car model is practical for families with young children.
• She chose a practical outfit for the hiking trip.
• His advice was practical and easy to implement.
• The company made a practical decision to cut costs.
• He took a practical approach to fixing the broken machine.
• The book offers practical tips for reducing stress.
• The team came up with a practical solution to the problem.
• She has a practical outlook on life.
• The course teaches practical skills for the workplace.

Examples Of Using Reasonable In A Sentence

• It’s reasonable to expect employees to arrive on time.
• The price of the product is reasonable for its quality.
• He made a reasonable argument for his point of view.
• The company offered a reasonable explanation for the delay.
• She had a reasonable excuse for being late.
• The court made a reasonable decision based on the evidence presented.
• He was reasonable in his demands for a pay raise.
• The teacher gave a reasonable amount of homework for the weekend.
• The hotel had reasonable accommodations for the price.
• She had a reasonable expectation of privacy in her own home.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words practical and reasonable, many people tend to interchange them without realizing that they have different meanings and connotations. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

1. Using Practical When You Mean Reasonable

Practical refers to something that is useful or functional, while reasonable refers to something that is fair or logical. For example, saying “It’s not practical to expect everyone to work 80 hours a week” is correct, but saying “It’s not reasonable to expect everyone to work 80 hours a week” is more appropriate. To avoid this mistake, make sure you understand the difference between these two words and use them accordingly.

2. Using Reasonable When You Mean Practical

On the other hand, using reasonable when you mean practical can also create confusion. Practical refers to something that is feasible or achievable, while reasonable refers to something that is justifiable or sensible. For instance, saying “It’s not reasonable to expect a single person to finish this project in one day” is correct, but saying “It’s not practical to expect a single person to finish this project in one day” is more suitable. To avoid this mistake, consider the context and the intended meaning of the word before using it.

3. Using Practical And Reasonable Interchangeably

Lastly, using practical and reasonable interchangeably can lead to ambiguity and miscommunication. As mentioned earlier, these words have different meanings and implications. Therefore, using them interchangeably can cause confusion and misunderstanding. To avoid this mistake, take time to choose the right word that accurately conveys your message and intention.

To sum it up, using practical and reasonable appropriately can enhance your communication skills and prevent misunderstandings. To avoid the common mistakes mentioned above, be mindful of the nuances and differences between these two words, and choose the one that best fits the situation.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between practical and reasonable, context is key. The decision to choose one over the other can depend on the situation at hand and the specific factors involved.

Examples Of Contexts

Let’s take a look at a few different contexts and how the choice between practical and reasonable might change:

• Business: In a business setting, practicality might be prioritized over reasonability. For example, a company might choose to cut costs by implementing a new software system that is not the most reasonable option for employees, but is practical in terms of saving money and increasing efficiency.
• Personal Relationships: In personal relationships, reasonability might be prioritized over practicality. For instance, a couple might decide to take a romantic vacation even if it’s not the most practical option financially, because the experience and memories are more important to them than the cost.
• Legal: In a legal context, reasonability is often prioritized over practicality. For example, a judge might rule in favor of a plaintiff who was injured in a car accident, even if it’s not the most practical decision for the defendant to pay a large settlement.

These examples demonstrate how the choice between practical and reasonable can vary depending on the context in which they are used. It’s important to consider the specific circumstances and factors involved when making this decision.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the terms practical and reasonable are generally interchangeable, there are certain exceptions where one term may be more appropriate than the other. These exceptions include:

Legal Context

In a legal context, the terms practical and reasonable may have distinct meanings. For example, in a contract dispute, a practical solution may be one that is feasible and cost-effective, while a reasonable solution may be one that is fair and just. In this case, the choice of term will depend on the specific circumstances of the case and the legal interpretation of the terms.

Moral Considerations

When it comes to moral considerations, the terms practical and reasonable may also have different connotations. For example, a practical solution to a moral dilemma might be one that maximizes the benefits and minimizes the harms, while a reasonable solution might be one that is consistent with moral principles or values. In this case, the choice of term will depend on the ethical framework being used and the specific moral considerations at play.

Cultural Differences

Cultural differences can also affect the choice between practical and reasonable. For example, in some cultures, practicality may be valued more highly than reasonableness, while in others, the opposite may be true. In this case, the choice of term will depend on the cultural context and the values and norms of the society in question.

Specific Situations

Finally, there may be specific situations where one term is more appropriate than the other, based on the particular circumstances. For example, in a business context, a practical solution might be one that maximizes profits, while a reasonable solution might be one that takes into account the interests of all stakeholders. In this case, the choice of term will depend on the specific goals and priorities of the organization.

Practice Exercises

Improving your understanding and use of practical and reasonable can be achieved through practice exercises. Here are some exercises to help you:

Exercise 1: Practical Or Reasonable?

Sentence	Answer
It’s not ___________ to expect someone to work 12 hours a day.	practical
It’s ___________ to expect someone to arrive on time for a meeting.	reasonable
It’s not ___________ to expect a 5-year-old to solve complex math problems.	practical
It’s ___________ to expect someone to pay for the items they have purchased.	reasonable

Explanation: Practical refers to something that is feasible or possible to do, while reasonable refers to something that is fair or logical.

Exercise 2: Practical Or Reasonable In Context

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:

1. It’s ___________ to wear a coat in cold weather.
2. It’s not ___________ to expect everyone to know how to swim.
3. It’s ___________ to bring an umbrella on a rainy day.
4. It’s not ___________ to expect someone to run a marathon without any training.

Answer Key:

• reasonable
• practical
• practical
• practical

Explanation: Practical and reasonable can be used in different contexts. In these sentences, practical refers to something that is useful or necessary, while reasonable refers to something that is sensible or appropriate.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between practical and reasonable, it is clear that these two terms are often used interchangeably but have distinct meanings in certain contexts.

Key Takeaways

• Practical refers to what is feasible or achievable in a particular situation, while reasonable refers to what is fair or logical.
• Practicality is often prioritized in decision-making, but it is important to consider reasonableness as well.
• Grammar and language use can impact how practical and reasonable a message comes across.

It is crucial for individuals to understand the nuances of these terms in order to effectively communicate and make informed decisions. By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, readers can improve their ability to convey practical and reasonable messages.