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View synonyms for

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. Archaic. an officious or meddlesome person.

pragmatic

/ æɡˈæɪ /

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˌپˈٲ, noun
  • ˈپ, adverb
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Other yvlog Forms

  • ·i·i·ٲ ·i··Ա noun
  • ·i·· adverb
  • t··i adjective
  • t··i· adjective
  • anti··i·· adverb
  • ԴDzp·i adjective noun
  • ԴDzp·i· adjective
  • non·i·· adverb
  • ܲp·i adjective
  • ܲp·i· adjective
  • un·i·· adverb
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yvlog History and Origins

Origin of pragmatic1

First recorded in 1580–90; from Latin 岵پܲ, from Greek 岵پó “practical,” equivalent to 岵-, stem of â “deed, state business,” derivative of ́𾱲 “to do, fare” + -ikos -ic; practic
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yvlog History and Origins

Origin of pragmatic1

C17: from Late Latin 岵پܲ, from Greek 岵پDz from pragma act, from prattein to do
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

You are radical in your belief in inequality, but you are pragmatic in trying to push through political change within our system.

From

Speaking in the House of Commons, he said the fact the US had put lower tariffs on the UK compared to other countries "vindicated the pragmatic approach the government has taken".

From

A spokesperson added: "We welcome the intensive efforts by the UK government to reach a deal with the US administration, and we continue to support this measured and pragmatic approach towards a mutually beneficial resolution."

From

Sir Keir said "constructive" talks were ongoing and that he would continue to take a "calm, pragmatic approach" avoiding "kneejerk reactions".

From

The muses are also pragmatic, Amos pointed out.

From

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More About Pragmatic

What doespragmatic 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 doespragmatic come from?

The first records of the word pragmatic come from the 1580s. It comes from the Greek پó, meaning “practical,” from pragma, meaning “act,” from ́𾱲, “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.

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What are some other forms related to pragmatic?

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

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

How ispragmatic 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.

Try usingpragmatic!

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

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

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