practicality
UK[ˌpræk.tɪˈkæl.ə.ti]US[ˌpræk.tɪˈkæl.ə.t̬i]
n
the quality of being suitable for a particular purpose or situation; usefulness.
n
the quality of being sensible and realistic; preferring action and results to ideas and theories.
Morpheme Breakdown
practic
al
ity
practic
act, do
al
adjective suffix
ity
noun suffix
Etymology
the word 'practicality' is built upon the classical concept of action over theory. its core, 'practic', originates from the greek verb 'prassein', meaning "to do, to act," which passed into latin as 'practicus'. the adjectival suffix '-al' was added to form 'practical', meaning "pertaining to action or real use." finally, the abstract noun-forming suffix '-ity', from latin '-itas', was appended to create 'practicality', denoting the state or quality of being concerned with actual use and tangible results. this etymological journey from a verb of action to a noun describing a functional quality perfectly encapsulates the word's modern meaning, linking the ancient value of doing to the contemporary ideal of usefulness and realism.
Analysis
Structure: practic (act, do) + al (adjective suffix) + ity (noun suffix)
- practic: from latin 'practicus', meaning "concerned with action, practical," from greek 'praktikos', from 'prassein' meaning "to do, act, practice." serves as the core root.
- al: a latin-derived suffix forming adjectives meaning "of, relating to, or characterized by."
- ity: a latin-derived suffix forming nouns denoting a state, condition, or quality.
Examples
the design was praised for its simplicity and practicality.
in a survival situation, practicality is more important than comfort.
his idealism was often tempered by a strong sense of practicality.