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.

3. of or relating to pragmatics.

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

Other Word Forms

• pragmaticality noun
• pragmatically adverb
• pragmaticalness noun
• antipragmatic adjective
• antipragmatical adjective
• antipragmatically adverb
• nonpragmatic adjective
• nonpragmatical adjective
• nonpragmatically adverb
• unpragmatic adjective
• unpragmatical adjective
• unpragmatically 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

"Sometimes in life, you have to be pragmatic to secure wider benefits".

Read more on BBC

Larry’s the pragmatic choice, but Luke is the romantic one, down to his handsome, chiseled features right out of a supermarket paperback.

Read more on Salon

Georgia's leaders reject that portrayal, describing their approach towards Russia as "pragmatic" and their primary duty to maintain peace with their northern neighbour.

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This pragmatic approach is a hallmark of Crow, who has led the school’s massive growth over the past two decades.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The £2,000 cap on salary sacrifice was a "pragmatic step", Reeves said, and would mean low and middle-income earners could continue to use the scheme "without paying any more in tax".

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Related Words

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

When To Use

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.