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

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

From Los Angeles Times

Doing so is a pragmatic as well as a moral necessity lest the voters’ patience and generosity run out.

From Los Angeles Times

“There weren’t many in that pragmatic middle space where you are literally saying, ‘We’ve got this much money, where would we be best putting it?’,”

From BBC

Some diplomats have pointed to more pragmatic suggestions about lighter tariffs for US allies.

From BBC

He has always been a pragmatic manager in my eyes but they want to be a more expansive side and he is stuck somewhere in between at the moment.

From BBC

Related Words

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

More About Pragmatic

What does pragmatic mean?

Pragmatic means practical, especially when making decisions.

The word pragmatic is often contrasted with the word idealistic, which means based on or having high principles or ideals. Pragmatic, on the other hand, means based on real world conditions or circumstances—considering what can realistically be done as opposed to the best theoretical course of action. A person who acts pragmatically can be called a pragmatist.

The noun form of pragmatic is pragmatism. Pragmatism can mean the practice of being pragmatic, but it can also more specifically refer to the philosophical movement that emphasizes practical consequences in the determination of meaning, truth, or value.

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

Where does pragmatic come from?

The first records of the word pragmatic come from the 1580s. It comes from the Greek pragmatikós, meaning “practical,” from pragma, meaning “act,” from prā́ssein, “to do.” The words practical and praxis derive from the same root.

Idealistic people are sometimes told they need to be more pragmatic. Typically, this means that they should focus on the realistic options or courses of action (the pragmatic ones) instead of only trying 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.

The word pragmatic isn’t always contrasted with idealistic. Sometimes, it’s just used as a way of describing something as practical, logical, or sensible. The word is most often applied to people, actions, or plans.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to pragmatic?

• pragmatism (noun)
• pragmatist (noun)
• pragmatically (adverb)

What are some synonyms for pragmatic?

• practical
• realistic

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

• practical
• praxis
• practice

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

• idealistic
• plan
• solution
• action
• decision
• leader
• philosophy
• sensible

How is pragmatic used in real life?

Pragmatic is commonly used in a positive way to praise choices or actions that are considered practical and reasonable. It’s often applied to political positions or actions.

I hate Twitter takes. Almost no one that you actually see on the timeline takes a pragmatic, middle of the road position (that takes arguments from each side into account) because it doesn’t get as much engagement & therefore isn’t rewarded by the timeline Algorithm.

— Robotbeat🗽🖖🏾 (@Robotbeat) May 9, 2020

ideal product leader's ethos:
super optimistic about future, pragmatic about progress, paranoid about the present, unencumbered by the past.

— scott belsky (@scottbelsky) May 8, 2020

Education and career opportunities of our students are under threat. Governments need to be pragmatic to promote them based on their past performance and waive their tuition fees. We must also adhere to the academic calendar using technological solutions #WaiveFeePromoteStudents

— Congress Sevadal (@CongressSevadal) May 11, 2020

 

 

Try using pragmatic!

Which of the following words is LEAST like to describe an action considered pragmatic?

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