pragmatic

American  

[prag-mat-ik] / prægˈmæt ɪk /

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.

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noun

1. pragmatic sanction.

2. Archaic. an officious or meddlesome person.

pragmatic British  

/ 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

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Usage

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.

Other Word Forms

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

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Etymology

Origin of pragmatic

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; see practic

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Explanation

To describe a person or a solution that takes a realistic approach, consider the adjective pragmatic. The four-year-old who wants a unicorn for her birthday isn't being very pragmatic. The opposite of idealistic is pragmatic, a word that describes a philosophy of "doing what works best." From Greek pragma, "deed," the word has historically described philosophers and politicians who were concerned more with real-world application of ideas than with abstract notions. A pragmatic person is sensible, grounded, and practical — and doesn't expect a birthday celebration filled with magical creatures.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

pragmatic

While several Rwandans told AFP of their pride that their country will soon host the pinnacle of motor sports, Kigali entrepreneur Amon Niyigena, took a more pragmatic view.

From Barron's ● Oct. 16, 2026

It is not enough to do the work of pragmatic policymaking.

From Slate ● Oct. 15, 2026

“That would be my attitude. I’m very open. I’m not tribal. I’m not particularly partisan. I’m a pragmatic, problem-solving kind of person, and I’m looking forward to working with the Legislature.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 7, 2026

We have clear boundaries about roles and tasks, and we’re able to create very pragmatic parameters of what to do when we’re facing a disagreement.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 5, 2026

Whatever this place is, it has not needed to be as pragmatic as our city.

From "Allegiant" by Veronica Roth

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Related Words

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

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