Pragmatic

Definition

Pragmatic is an adjective meaning dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations. It also means “relating to the philosophical doctrine of pragmatism,” and, in linguistics, “relating to the use of language in context.” As a noun (informal), it can mean a person who is pragmatic.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun (informal, countable) — a pragmatic person

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /præɡˈmætɪk/
• Respelling: prag-MAT-ik

British English

• IPA: /præɡˈmætɪk/
• Respelling: prag-MAT-ik

Etymology

Mid-16th century: via late Latin pragmaticus “skilled in business; practical,” from Greek pragmatikós “relating to action or fact,” from prâgma “deed, matter,” from prássein “to do.” The adjectival suffix -ic forms the English word.

Derivatives

• pragmatically (adverb) — in a pragmatic manner
• pragmatism (noun) — a philosophy that evaluates truth by practical consequences
• pragmatist (noun) — a person guided by practical considerations; an adherent of pragmatism
• pragmatics (noun, linguistics) — the study of language use in context
• pragmatician (noun; linguistics, rare) — a specialist in pragmatics

Synonyms

• practical
• realistic
• down-to-earth
• hardheaded
• matter-of-fact
• utilitarian

Antonyms

• idealistic
• theoretical
• impractical
• quixotic
• dogmatic

Usage

Adjective: “We need a pragmatic plan that can be implemented within the budget.” / “Her pragmatic approach favored incremental fixes over sweeping reforms.” / “In linguistics, a pragmatic analysis looks at speaker intent and context.”

Noun: “As a pragmatic, he supports solutions that work, regardless of ideology.”

Related Terms

• Pragmatism: A philosophical tradition (Peirce, James, Dewey) emphasizing practical consequences as the basis of meaning and truth.
• Pragmatics: The branch of linguistics dealing with language in use and the contexts in which it is employed.
• Instrumental: Serving as a means to an end; often aligned with pragmatic reasoning.
• Realpolitik: Politics based on practical and material factors rather than moral or ideological premises.
• Pragmatic sanction: A historical royal or imperial decree (historical usage of the root).

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Focused on practical results and real-world constraints — dealing with problems in a sensible, achievable way.
  • Example: “City officials adopted a pragmatic strategy to reduce traffic using existing resources.”
• (Philosophy) Relating to pragmatism — emphasizing usefulness, workable outcomes, and the cash value of ideas.
  • Example: “A pragmatic theory of truth ties meaning to consequences.”
• (Linguistics) Pertaining to pragmatics — concerning speaker intention, implicature, presupposition, and context.
  • Example: “Politeness is a pragmatic phenomenon shaped by social norms.”
• (Archaic) Officious; meddlesome — an older sense now rare.
  • Example: “He disliked the pragmatic interference of courtiers.”

Noun (informal)

• A practical-minded person — someone who prioritizes workable solutions over theories.
  • Example: “Despite party pressure, the governor proved a pragmatic above all.”