pragmatist

[ prag-muh-tist ]

noun

1. a person who is oriented toward the success or failure of a particular line of action, thought, etc.; a practical person.
2. an advocate or adherent of philosophical pragmatism.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of pragmatism.

Other Words From

• anti·pragma·tist noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pragmatist¹

First recorded in 1630–40; pragmat(ic) + -ist

Example Sentences

At the same time, he was also a pragmatist, one who realized some of his doctrines would need to give way as circumstances evolved.

From Salon

She is widely regarded as a pragmatist who lacks the charisma, oratory skills and pugnacious nature of the outgoing populist president.

From Los Angeles Times

"But we must also change how we are perceived on the economy. We must be seen as pragmatists, not ideologues."

From BBC

Hogan, a personable pragmatist and Trump critic, appeals to some Maryland Democrats despite his party label, and to moderate Republicans and independents who’ve otherwise soured on the Republican Party in the Trump era.

From Seattle Times

Whether you’re a pragmatist who wants working boats now or an idealist dedicated to climate action, to me this debate makes one thing clear.

From Seattle Times

More About Pragmatist

What does pragmatist mean?

A pragmatist is a person who deals with problems or situations by focusing on practical approaches and solutions—ones that will work in practice, as opposed to being ideal in theory.

The word pragmatist is often contrasted with the word idealist, which refers to a person who acts based on high principles or ideals. A pragmatist, on the other hand, acts based on real-world conditions or circumstances—they consider what can realistically be done as opposed to the best theoretical course of action. This approach is called pragmatism.

More specifically, pragmatism can refer to the philosophical movement or approach that emphasizes practical consequences in the determination of meaning, truth, or value. A philosopher who adheres to this can also be called a pragmatist.

Pragmatist can also be used as an adjective to describe such a philosophy or action. The related adjective form pragmatic means practical, especially when making decisions.

Example: We need a candidate who’s a pragmatist and can get things done in the real world—not some idealist who will never compromise.

Where does pragmatist come from?

The first records of the word pragmatist come from around 1640. It ultimately derives from the Greek pragmatikós, meaning “practical,” from pragma, meaning “act,” from prā́ssein, “to do.” The words practical and praxis derive from the same root.

People considered pragmatists focus on the realistic options or courses of action. People considered idealists typically try to achieve the best-case scenario—the one based on their ideals. Of course, many people navigate life with a balance of pragmatism and idealism: sometimes they compromise, and sometimes they stick to their principles no matter what. In general, a close synonym for pragmatist is practical person.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to pragmatist?

• pragmatism (noun)
• pragmatic (adjective)

What are some words that share a root or word element with pragmatist? 

• practical
• praxis
• practice

What are some words that often get used in discussing pragmatist?

• realistic
• idealism
• plan
• solution
• action
• decision
• leader
• philosophy
• sensible

How is pragmatist used in real life?

Pragmatist is commonly used in a positive way to refer to people who make choices or actions that are considered practical and reasonable. It’s often used in the context of politics.

The optimist in me hopes we are living in a "A New Hope" and "Return of the Jedi" but the pragmatist in me is expecting "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Revenge of the Sith."

— Wajahat Ali (@WajahatAli) June 8, 2020

Analytical Philosopher: "Can we really know?"

Continental Philosopher: "What does it all mean?"

Scientist: "Can I measure it?"

Pragmatist: "How much are you paying me to answer?"

— Asadullah Ali (@ProjectAndalus) May 28, 2020

 

 

Try using pragmatist!

Which of the following words is LEAST like to describe a person considered a pragmatist?

A. realistic
B. sensible
C. utilitarian
D. idealistic