A pragmatic way of dealing with something is based on practical considerations, rather than theoretical ones. A pragmatic person deals with things in a practical way.
Robin took a pragmatic look at her situation.
...a pragmatic approach to the problems faced by Latin America.
Synonyms: practical, efficient, sensible, realistic More Synonyms of pragmatic
pragmatically (prægmætɪkli)adverb [usually ADVERB with verb, ADVERB adjective]
'I can't ever see us doing anything else,' states Brian pragmatically.
Pragmatically, if you insist on asking politicians about their religious beliefs,you are simply asking to be lied to.
pragmatic in British English
(præɡˈmætɪk)
adjective
1.
advocating behaviour that is dictated more by practical consequences than by theory or dogma
2. philosophy
of or relating to pragmatism
3.
involving everyday or practical business
4.
of or concerned with the affairs of a state or community
5. rare
interfering or meddlesome; officious
Also (for senses 3, 5): pragmatical
Derived forms
pragmaticality (pragˌmatiˈcality)
noun
pragmatically (pragˈmatically)
adverb
Word origin
C17: from Late Latin prāgmaticus, from Greek prāgmatikos from pragma act, from prattein to do
pragmatic in American English
(prægˈmætɪk)
adjective
1. Rare
a.
busy or active, esp. in a meddlesome way
b.
dogmatic; opinionated
2.
having to do with the affairs of a state or community
3.
concerned with actual practice, everyday affairs, etc., not with theory or speculation; practical
4.
dealing with historical facts, esp. in their causal relationship
5.
of or having to do with philosophical pragmatism
noun
6.
pragmatic sanction
Derived forms
pragmatically (pragˈmatically)
adverb
Word origin
L pragmaticus, skilled in business or law < Gr pragmatikos < pragma, business, orig. a thing done < prassein, to do
Examples of 'pragmatic' in a sentence
pragmatic
This led to the security services opting for a pragmatic approach.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
But his allies insist he is an instinctive Eurosceptic who is simply taking a pragmatic approach.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
A pragmatic approach beckons, which could succeed.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Then again, it's probably the most pragmatic approach to adolescence in an age of ubiquitous photography.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
There was a sensible and pragmatic solution.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
There is a particularly good pragmatic reason for maintaining the distinction when talking about diplomacy.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Washington is also showing a more pragmatic approach.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
In matters of the landscape it is common and understandable that pragmatic views do not prevail.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Or a pragmatic solution to an expensive problem that has dogged homebuyers for decades?
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
The reasons are pragmatic as well as humanitarian.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The pragmatic approach notes that churches grow in different ways with different leaders and varying philosophies.
Christianity Today (2000)
He takes a similarly pragmatic view of taxing bank bonuses.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
That was the law for constitutional as well as pragmatic reasons.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
The pragmatic approach is to let them get on with it.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Buyers will do well to take pragmatic view.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Sometimes there is a more pragmatic reason.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
That it was a pragmatic approach designed to allow him to escape with his reputation intact.
The Sun (2012)
Britain has a pragmatic view of the world and of public health.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
In these circumstances the underwriter would take a pragmatic approach.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
America leaps ahead with a more pragmatic approach to drugs.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
It was something altogether more pragmatic than that - a worry that the party might be split.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
On purely pragmatic grounds, it is very easy to arrange and to carry out.
Fletcher, Clive How to Face Interviews (1981)
Until now they have been researched for more pragmatic solutions, such as sound barriers beside roads.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
There are pragmatic reasons behind this selection, too.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
In Brazil, the businessmen get together and work out the most pragmatic solution.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
That is a short-term, pragmatic solution that would bring an awful lot more flights into the country.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
It is a pragmatic solution, rather than a wholesome one, but at least we know where we stand.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
In other languages
pragmatic
British English: pragmatic ADJECTIVE
A pragmatic way of dealing with something is based on practical considerations. A pragmatic person deals with things in a practical way.
She took a pragmatic look at her situation.
American English: pragmatic
Brazilian Portuguese: pragmático
Chinese: 务实的
European Spanish: pragmático
French: pragmatique
German: pragmatisch
Italian: pragmatico
Japanese: 現実的な
Korean: 실용주의적인
European Portuguese: pragmático
Latin American Spanish: pragmático
Chinese translation of 'pragmatic'
pragmatic
(præɡˈmætɪk)
adj
[person, approach etc]务(務)实(實)的 (wùshí de)
(adjective)
Definition
concerned with practical consequences rather than theory
a pragmatic approach to the problems faced by Latin America
Synonyms
practical
She is always so practical and full of common sense.
efficient
a highly efficient worker
sensible
She was a sensible girl and did not panic.
realistic
a realistic view of what we can afford
down-to-earth
She's the most down-to-earth person I've met.
matter-of-fact
utilitarian
Bilal's office is a corner one, utilitarian and unglamorous.
businesslike
Mr Penn sounds quite businesslike.
hard-headed
a hard-headed and shrewd businesswoman
Opposites
theoretical
,
unrealistic
,
inefficient
,
idealistic
,
impractical
,
unprofessional
,
airy-fairy
,
starry-eyed
Additional synonyms
in the sense of businesslike
Definition
efficient and methodical
Mr Penn sounds quite businesslike.
Synonyms
efficient,
professional,
practical,
regular,
correct,
organized,
routine,
thorough,
systematic,
orderly,
matter-of-fact,
methodical,
well-ordered,
workaday
in the sense of down-to-earth
Definition
sensible or practical
She's the most down-to-earth person I've met.
Synonyms
sensible,
practical,
realistic,
common-sense,
matter-of-fact,
sane,
no-nonsense,
hard-headed,
unsentimental,
plain-spoken,
grounded
in the sense of efficient
Definition
working or producing effectively without wasting effort, energy, or money
a highly efficient worker
Synonyms
competent,
able,
professional,
capable,
organized,
productive,
skilful,
adept,
ready,
proficient,
businesslike,
well-organized,
workmanlike
Synonyms of 'pragmatic'
pragmatic
Explore 'pragmatic' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of hard-headed
Definition
tough, realistic, or shrewd, esp. in business
a hard-headed and shrewd businesswoman
Synonyms
shrewd,
tough,
practical,
cool,
sensible,
realistic,
pragmatic,
astute,
hard-boiled (informal),
hard-bitten,
level-headed,
unsentimental,
badass (slang, US)
in the sense of realistic
a realistic view of what we can afford
Synonyms
practical,
real,
sensible,
rational,
common-sense,
sober,
pragmatic,
down-to-earth,
matter-of-fact,
businesslike,
level-headed,
hard-headed,
unsentimental,
unromantic,
grounded
in the sense of sensible
Definition
having or showing good sense or judgment
She was a sensible girl and did not panic.
Synonyms
intelligent,
practical,
reasonable,
rational,
sound,
realistic,
sober,
discriminating,
discreet,
sage,
shrewd,
down-to-earth,
matter-of-fact,
prudent,
sane,
canny,
judicious,
far-sighted,
sagacious,
grounded
in the sense of utilitarian
Definition
useful rather than beautiful
Bilal's office is a corner one, utilitarian and unglamorous.