pragmatist
Origin of pragmatist
OTHER WORDS FROM pragmatist
an·ti·prag·ma·tist, noun, adjectiveWords nearby pragmatist
MORE ABOUT PRAGMATIST
What does pragmatist mean?
A pragmatist is a person who deals with problems or situations by focusing on practical approaches and solutionsâones that will work in practice, as opposed to being ideal in theory.
The word pragmatist is often contrasted with the word idealist, which refers to a person who acts based on high principles or ideals. A pragmatist, on the other hand, acts based on real-world conditions or circumstancesâthey consider what can realistically be done as opposed to the best theoretical course of action. This approach is called pragmatism.
More specifically, pragmatism can refer to the philosophical movement or approach that emphasizes practical consequences in the determination of meaning, truth, or value. A philosopher who adheres to this can also be called a pragmatist.
Pragmatist can also be used as an adjective to describe such a philosophy or action. The related adjective form pragmatic means practical, especially when making decisions.
Example: We need a candidate whoâs a pragmatist and can get things done in the real worldânot some idealist who will never compromise.
Where does pragmatist come from?
The first records of the word pragmatist come from around 1640. It ultimately derives from the Greek pragmatikĂłs, meaning âpractical,â from pragma, meaning âact,â from prÄÌssein, âto do.â The words practical and praxis derive from the same root.
People considered pragmatists focus on the realistic options or courses of action. People considered idealists typically try to achieve the best-case scenarioâthe one based on their ideals. Of course, many people navigate life with a balance of pragmatism and idealism: sometimes they compromise, and sometimes they stick to their principles no matter what. In general, a close synonym for pragmatist is practical person.
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What are some other forms related to pragmatist?
- pragmatism (noun)
- pragmatic (adjective)
What are some words that share a root or word element with pragmatist?Â
What are some words that often get used in discussing pragmatist?
How is pragmatist used in real life?
Pragmatist is commonly used in a positive way to refer to people who make choices or actions that are considered practical and reasonable. Itâs often used in the context of politics.
The optimist in me hopes we are living in a "A New Hope" and "Return of the Jedi" but the pragmatist in me is expecting "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Revenge of the Sith."
— Wajahat Ali (@WajahatAli) June 8, 2020
Analytical Philosopher: "Can we really know?"
Continental Philosopher: "What does it all mean?"
Scientist: "Can I measure it?"
Pragmatist: "How much are you paying me to answer?"
— Asadullah Ali (@ProjectAndalus) May 28, 2020
Try using pragmatist!
Which of the following words is LEAST like to describe a person considered a pragmatist?
A. realistic
B. sensible
C. utilitarian
D. idealistic