pragmatist

American  

[prag-muh-tist] / ˈpræg mə tɪst /

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.

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adjective

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

Usage

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.

Other Word Forms

• antipragmatist noun

Etymology

Origin of pragmatist

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

Example Sentences

Despite his hardline stance against the West, Larijani was often described inside Iran as a pragmatist.

From BBC

Their “pragmatist faction is arguing for continued patience and caution,” says Oxford Analytica, a geopolitical risk analysis and advisory service owned by Barron’s parent company, Dow Jones.

From Barron's

Larijani was described as a pragmatist by a western official who met him during last month's aborted negotiations to secure a nuclear deal between Iran and America.

From BBC

Diplomats describe Larijani as a pragmatist who tentatively raised resuming nuclear talks, despite his current aggressive stance.

From The Wall Street Journal

A pragmatist and political survivor, Larijani is a former nuclear negotiator whose daughter studied in the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal