pragmatic

/præɡˈmætɪk/

Say it: prag-MAT-ik

1. adjective Dealing with problems in a sensible way that is based on practical results rather than abstract theories or fixed principles.
While the team had grand ideas, they took a pragmatic approach and focused on what was achievable with their limited budget.
2. adjective Relating to the philosophical movement of pragmatism, which evaluates theories or beliefs in terms of the success of their practical application.
The philosopher's pragmatic view held that the truth of a statement lies in its observable consequences.

📖 Seen in the wild

Her pragmatic approach to problem-solving always yielded effective results.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ pragmatic in a sentence

The mayor is a pragmatic leader who is more interested in what works than in political ideology.
Given the traffic, the most pragmatic choice was to take the subway instead of driving.
Her advice was always pragmatic: save your money, get enough sleep, and don't make promises you can't keep.
In the negotiations, both sides adopted a more pragmatic tone, dropping their initial extreme demands.
The company's success is built on a foundation of pragmatic innovation and customer focus.
He has a reputation for being a tough, pragmatic dealmaker.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

practical realistic sensible down-to-earth matter-of-fact businesslike utilitarian hardheaded

practical · Focuses on what is useful and can be put into action, whereas pragmatic often implies adapting to the specific realities of a situation.

realistic · Emphasizes an accurate understanding of what is possible, while pragmatic focuses on the actions taken based on that understanding.

sensible · Suggests the use of good judgment and common sense, which is a component of being pragmatic, but less focused on achieving a specific outcome.

Opposites: idealistic, impractical, theoretical, dogmatic, unrealistic

🌱 Where it comes from

The word comes from the Greek 'pragmatikos', meaning 'fit for action'. It entered English in the 16th century, initially with a negative sense of being meddlesome or officious. Over time, its meaning shifted to the modern, more positive sense of being practical and results-oriented, influenced by the philosophical school of pragmatism.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

a pragmatic approacha pragmatic solutiona pragmatic decisionpragmatic considerationsremain pragmatic

'Pragmatic' is generally a term of approval, suggesting someone is sensible, grounded, and effective. However, it can sometimes be used to imply a lack of idealism or a willingness to compromise principles for the sake of a result. For example, calling a politician's decision 'pragmatic' might subtly suggest it was expedient rather than principled. It is often confused with 'practical', but 'pragmatic' more strongly suggests weighing options and choosing the most logical course in a specific situation.

Word family: pragmatism, pragmatist, pragmatically

💬 Quick answers

What does it mean to be pragmatic?

To be pragmatic means you focus on practical results and real-world consequences rather than abstract theories or rigid beliefs when making decisions.

What is the difference between 'pragmatic' and 'practical'?

'Practical' generally refers to something that is useful or effective in action. 'Pragmatic' is more specific, describing an approach that adapts to the particular circumstances of a problem to find a workable solution.

Is being pragmatic a good or bad thing?

It is usually considered a positive trait, implying efficiency and realism. However, it can sometimes carry a negative connotation, suggesting someone is unconcerned with ideals or principles in their pursuit of a workable outcome.

What is an example of a pragmatic decision?

A company deciding to continue supporting an older, popular product instead of forcing all customers to upgrade to a new, theoretically better one is a pragmatic decision based on customer reality.

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