pragmatic
pragmatic Lexical Profile
pragmatic Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.
"The committee took a pragmatic approach to the budget deficit, prioritizing essential public services over ambitious new projects."
Relating to philosophical pragmatism, or to the branch of linguistics concerned with the use and meaning of language in social context.
"Children gradually develop pragmatic competence as they learn how tone and context alter the meaning of a spoken request."
Word Nuance & Usage
While 'practical' generally describes things that are useful or functional in everyday life, 'pragmatic' specifically emphasizes a sober, results-oriented approach to solving problems over adherence to abstract theories or ideals.
• Rhymes for pragmatic
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 16th century via Middle French pragmatique from Latin pragmaticus ('skilled in business or law'), which derives from Ancient Greek pragmatikos, from pragma ('deed, act'), ultimately rooted in the verb prassein ('to do, act, or accomplish').