Pragmatic
/præɡˈmætɪk/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Pragmatic describes a person, idea, or action that is practical and realistic. It means paying attention to what is useful and effective in real situations, not just what sounds good or seems perfect in theory. Pragmatic people solve problems by focusing on results they can achieve.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
Showing a practical approach to problems or decisions
- •She took a pragmatic approach to managing the project to finish on time.
- •His pragmatic advice helped us find a quick solution.
- •The company made a pragmatic decision to reduce costs.
Relating to dealing with facts and real situations rather than ideas or theories
- •The teacher encouraged pragmatic thinking in solving math problems.
- •Pragmatic politicians focus on laws that work, not just promises.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "pragmatic" like "real" or "practical" (A1 words), but with a stronger focus on what works best in a situation, not just any real thing
- ✓Picture someone fixing a broken chair using simple tools and materials they have, instead of waiting for perfect parts
- ✓It's the feeling when you choose to do what helps you most, even if it is not the most exciting or perfect idea
- ✓Sounds like "prag-MAT-ic" → imagine a practical "mat" you can use anywhere because it works well for many things
- ✓Think of a friend who always gives advice like "Do what works" instead of "Do what should work in theory"
- ✓NOT like "idealistic" (thinking about perfect or best ideas), "pragmatic" is about what actually works here and now
- ✓NOT like "theoretical" (ideas only in books), "pragmatic" means real actions and results
- ✓NOT like "creative" (new ideas), "pragmatic" focuses on practical use and effectiveness
Try Other Words
- •Realistic: focusing on what is possible and true (Use when you want to stress truth and possibility more than usefulness)
- •Sensible: showing good judgment and reason (Use when meaning is about smart choices, not just practicality)
- •Down-to-earth: very practical and simple (Use in informal speech to describe very practical people or ideas)
- •Businesslike: efficient and practical in approach (Use when focusing on serious, goal-oriented behavior)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "pragmat-" (from Greek "pragma" meaning "deed" or "thing done") + "-ic" (adjective suffix)
- •Etymology: From Greek "pragmatikos," meaning relating to action or practice
- •Historical development: Entered English in the 1600s to describe practical action or behavior
- •Modern usage: Used to describe people or ideas focused on practical results, not just theory or ideals
- •Key insight: It connects thinking and action with what actually works in real life
Reflect & Connect
•How can being pragmatic help you solve problems in your daily life?
•Can a person be too pragmatic? When might focusing only on practical results be a problem?
Fill in the blanks
1.A pragmatic person focuses on ___ solutions that can be used right now, not just ideas that sound good.
2.When faced with a difficult choice, she made a pragmatic decision because she wanted to ___ the best result.
3.Unlike idealistic people, pragmatic thinkers pay attention to ___ and facts.
4.The manager gave pragmatic advice ___ to help the team finish the project on time.
5.In business, being pragmatic means focusing on what ___ work, not just what should work in theory.
6.A pragmatic approach often involves ___ changes instead of big, risky ideas.
7.When someone is pragmatic, they usually avoid ___ and focus on practical steps.