pragmatic
Americanadjective
-
of or relating to a practical point of view or practical considerations.
-
Philosophy. of or relating to pragmatism.
-
of or relating to pragmatics.
-
treating historical phenomena with special reference to their causes, antecedent conditions, and results.
-
of or relating to the affairs of state or community.
-
Archaic.
-
busy; active.
-
officious; meddlesome; interfering.
-
dogmatic; opinionated.
-
noun
-
Archaic. an officious or meddlesome person.
adjective
-
advocating behaviour that is dictated more by practical consequences than by theory or dogma
-
philosophy of or relating to pragmatism
-
involving everyday or practical business
-
of or concerned with the affairs of a state or community
-
rare interfering or meddlesome; officious
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
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.
Vocabulary lists containing pragmatic
100 Top "SAT" Words
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
ASVAB Word Knowledge
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Maus I: My Father Bleeds History
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The strengthening of this strategic and pragmatic partnership with a Russia that likes to present itself as a Third Rome will have concrete consequences.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 30, 2026
Germany has until recently been more cautious since it is more exposed to China's economy but the biggest supporter of a more pragmatic approach has been Spain as it seeks Beijing's investment.
From Barron's ● Jun. 29, 2026
Sir Keir's argument was that he would be pragmatic, not bound by ideology or too fixed a worldview.
From BBC ● Jun. 29, 2026
Kim Parker, director of social trends research at the Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan think tank, said Americans are making pragmatic decisions about eldercare.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 23, 2026
A part of me wants to remove her as a friend, but the pragmatic side reminds me that then I’d never get to see what else she puts up.
From "Saints and Misfits" by S.K. Ali
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
