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

“We respect President Trump,” Sheinbaum said before departing for Spain, displaying the “cool-headed,” pragmatic tone emblematic of her dealings with her bombastic U.S. counterpart.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 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

An accomplished coach such as Thomas Frank, for example, appeared better suited to leading an underdog Brentford side more willing to play his pragmatic style of football than the Tottenham team he managed this season.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

These rules reflect pragmatic judgments about access, reliability, and the realities of modern voting systems.

From Slate • Mar. 31, 2026

It was simply that Shaker Heights, despite its idealism, was a pragmatic place, and she did not know how to be anything else.

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng

Related Words

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