adj Uncommon

pragmatic

prag-MA-tihk

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Pragmatic (adj) means Focused on practical results and workable solutions rather than theory or ideals. Example: “The manager took a pragmatic approach and just fixed the immediate problem.”

adj

Focused on practical results and workable solutions rather than theory or ideals.

"The manager took a pragmatic approach and just fixed the immediate problem."

"She's pragmatic about money and never overspends on luxuries."

How to use pragmatic

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBeing sensible and practical, dealing with things as they really are instead of how you wish they were.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "dogmatic," which means the opposite — sticking rigidly to a belief regardless of practical outcome.

Easily confused with

dogmatic → practical →

Common pairings

a pragmatic approach pragmatic solution pragmatic decision

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: pragmatics
Comparative: more pragmatic
Superlative: most pragmatic

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The manager took a _____ approach and just fixed the immediate problem.

Etymology

From Greek "pragmatikos" ("skilled in business or affairs"), from "pragma" ("a deed" or "a thing done") — the same root as "practical."

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

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pragmatical hardheaded practical

Antonyms

idealistic

Related words

practice useful applied practical ideal virtual functional realistic

Rhymes for pragmatic

static somatic aquatic fanatic hepatic erratic lunatic aromatic ecstatic operatic dramatic climatic

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Frequently asked questions

What does “pragmatic” mean?

The word “pragmatic” means focused on practical results and workable solutions rather than theory or ideals. In plain terms, being sensible and practical, dealing with things as they really are instead of how you wish they were.

How do you pronounce “pragmatic”?

“Pragmatic” is pronounced prag-MA-tihk (/pɹæɡˈmætɪk/ in IPA).

How do you use “pragmatic” in a sentence?

Here is “pragmatic” used in a sentence: “The manager took a pragmatic approach and just fixed the immediate problem.”

What is the opposite of “pragmatic”?

The opposite of “pragmatic” — its antonyms — is idealistic.

What part of speech is “pragmatic”?

“Pragmatic” is an adjective.

Where does the word “pragmatic” come from?

The word “pragmatic” comes from Greek. From Greek "pragmatikos" ("skilled in business or affairs"), from "pragma" ("a deed" or "a thing done") — the same root as "practical.".

Is “pragmatic” a common word?

“Pragmatic” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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