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

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

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

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

Or would we demand that she compromise her principles because it’s pragmatic to let go of the idealism of youth?

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

He is firmly in the pragmatic camp when it comes to evidence synthesis, believing that investing at least some effort in collecting evidence still dramatically ups the chances of making a good choice.

From Slate • Apr. 28, 2026

"This is a pragmatic decision based on what are quite obvious fractures in the current leadership of the Iranian government," said Brian Katulis, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

This was a genuinely awkward moment for a governor who had pitched herself as a pragmatic centrist, and she paid for it in the headlines.

From Salon • Apr. 15, 2026

Advice, when she offered it, tended to be of the hard-boiled and pragmatic variety.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Related Words

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