Pragmatic

Dealing with things in a practical, realistic way rather than theoretical considerations; focusing on workable solutions.

adjective

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Imagine This

Imagine a project manager who refuses flashy but impractical ideas, choosing a budget-friendly, step-by-step plan that actually gets the job done.

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Sounds Like

PRAG-mat-ik

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Looks Like

Looks like 'pragmatism' and 'practical'—shares the root idea of action and usefulness.

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Remember This

Pragmatic describes practicality in approach; it contrasts with theoretical or idealistic thinking. Related nouns include pragmatism and pragmatist.

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Other Forms

pragmatismnoun

pragmatistnoun

pragmaticallyadverb

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Connect With

practical, sensible, realistic, down-to-earth, utilitarian

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Note

Avoid using 'pragmatic' to imply you approve of dishonesty; it's about practicality, not compromise of ethics. Also, 'practical' is close in meaning, but 'pragmatic' often implies realism in the face of constraints.

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Study Deeper

Examples

Her pragmatic approach to the budget ensured we completed the project on time and within scope.
The judge took a pragmatic view of the case and encouraged a settlement to avoid lengthy litigation.

Synonyms

practicalsensiblerealisticdown-to-earthutilitarian

Antonyms

impracticalidealistictheoretical

Etymology

From Greek pragmatikos meaning practical, from pragma 'deed, act' and the suffix -ikos; the term emphasizes action and usefulness over theory.

Mnemonic

PRAGMATIC: Practical Rules And Grounded Methods Aid Timely, Informed Choices.