in practice (B2)

idiom

Pronunciation: ɪn ˈpræktɪs

Definition

The actual reality of how something works, as opposed to how it is intended or expected to work.

Examples

• The policy was designed to save money, but in practice, it actually increased our administrative costs.

• While the rules forbid eating in the library, in practice, the staff rarely enforces it.

• The plan seemed foolproof, yet in practice, it proved impossible to implement.

Synonyms of in practice

Words with a similar meaning to in practice:

• actually
• in reality
• in effect
• de facto

Antonyms of in practice

Words with the opposite meaning to in practice:

• in theory
• on paper

Browse the full Anaversity dictionary