pragmatic

[ prag-mat-ik ]

adjective

1. of or relating to a practical point of view or practical considerations.
2. Philosophy. of or relating to pragmatism ( def 2 ).
3. of or relating to pragmatics ( def 1, 2 ).
4. treating historical phenomena with special reference to their causes, antecedent conditions, and results.
5. of or relating to the affairs of state or community.
6. Archaic.
   1. busy; active.
   2. officious; meddlesome; interfering.
   3. dogmatic; opinionated.

noun

1. pragmatic sanction.
2. Archaic. an officious or meddlesome person.

pragmatic

/ præɡˈmætɪk /

adjective

1. advocating behaviour that is dictated more by practical consequences than by theory or dogma
2. philosophy of or relating to pragmatism
3. involving everyday or practical business
4. of or concerned with the affairs of a state or community
5. rare.
   interfering or meddlesome; officious

Derived Forms

• pragˌmatiˈcality, noun
• pragˈmatically, adverb

Other Words From

• prag·mati·cali·ty prag·mati·cal·ness noun
• prag·mati·cal·ly adverb
• anti·prag·matic adjective
• anti·prag·mati·cal adjective
• anti·prag·mati·cal·ly adverb
• nonprag·matic adjective noun
• nonprag·mati·cal adjective
• nonprag·mati·cal·ly adverb
• unprag·matic adjective
• unprag·mati·cal adjective
• unprag·mati·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of pragmatic¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Latin prāgmaticus, from Greek prāgmatikós “practical,” equivalent to prāgmat-, stem of prâgma “deed, state business,” derivative of prā́ssein “to do, fare” + -ikos -ic; practic

Word History and Origins

Origin of pragmatic¹

C17: from Late Latin prāgmaticus, from Greek prāgmatikos from pragma act, from prattein to do

Example Sentences

Fisher has a more pragmatic take on the matter.

From BBC

But in contemporary Ghana, many voters are captivated by overambitious pledges, according to Dr Clement Sefa-Nyarko, which means pragmatic Mahama is "not able to charm the populace much".

From BBC

“The message is very clear,” says Brian Brennan, executive director of the 21st Century Alliance, a Silicon Valley-based organization that pushes for the election of pragmatic problem solvers.

From Los Angeles Times

Sir Keir Starmer is due to meet with President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit this week, with the government saying it wants "stable and pragmatic engagement" with China.

From BBC

There’s something sophisticated at work here, both pragmatic and playful.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• businesslike
• down-to-earth
• efficient
• hardheaded
• logical
• practical
• realistic
• sober