action or policy dictated by consideration of the immediate practical consequences rather than by theory or dogma
2. philosophy
a.
the doctrine that the content of a concept consists only in its practical applicability
b.
the doctrine that truth consists not in correspondence with the facts but in successful coherence with experience
See also instrumentalism
Derived forms
pragmatist (ˈpragmatist)
noun, adjective
pragmatistic (ˌpragmaˈtistic)
adjective
pragmatism in American English
(ˈprægməˌtɪzəm)
noun
1.
the quality or condition of being pragmatic
2. US
a method or tendency in philosophy, started by C. S. Peirce and William James, which determines the meaning and truth of all concepts by their practical consequences
Derived forms
pragmatist (ˈpragmatist)
noun, adjective
pragmatistic (ˌpragmaˈtistic)
adjective
Examples of 'pragmatism' in a sentence
pragmatism
The bumper payday was partly a result of pragmatism and caution rather than grand design.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
This was less about personal loyalty than political pragmatism.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
But this was not just a piece of political pragmatism.
The Times Literary Supplement (2013)
Also key was a robust political pragmatism.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
All those things require a degree of flexibility and pragmatism that didn't use to exist.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The difference is that the policy is accidental, a product of pragmatism rather than malice.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
City problem-solving has to be based on pragmatism rather than ideology.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The new Government is a triumph of political pragmatism.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Each pastor must balance structure and flexibility, pragmatism and empathy, cold hard facts and warm soft hugs.
Christianity Today (2000)
This, then, was a reshuffle in which the demands of political pragmatism triumphed over those of radical reform.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Word lists with
pragmatism
Philosophical schools and doctrines
In other languages
pragmatism
British English: pragmatism NOUN
Pragmatism means thinking of or dealing with problems in a practical way.
She had a reputation for clear thinking and pragmatism.