Word
pragmatic
Phoneticsprag·mat·ic, stress on the second syllable
US/pɹæɡˈmætɪk/
UK/pɹæɡmˈætɪk/
Definitions
01practical and sensible
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. dealing with problems in a practical way that works, rather than just following ideas or theories.
adj. dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.
Español:pragmático
“We need to be pragmatic and choose the solution that we can actually afford.”
“The leader took a pragmatic approach to the negotiations, prioritising a workable compromise over the rigid demands of his party's platform.”
Antonyms
02relating to linguistics
C1 · Advanced Technical · Academic
adj. relating to the study of how people use language in real situations to communicate meaning.
adj. relating to the branch of linguistics that deals with the relationship between symbols and their users, specifically how context contributes to meaning.
“The teacher explained the pragmatic meaning of the phrase, which was different from its literal meaning.”
“A pragmatic analysis of the dialogue reveals that the speaker's intent was to issue a polite request rather than a direct command.”
Synonyms
03meddlesome
C2 · Proficiency Archaic
adj. interfering in other people's business in an annoying way.
adj. inclined to interfere in the affairs of others; officious or meddlesome.
“The old man was known for his pragmatic nature, always telling his neighbours how to run their lives.”
“In the nineteenth-century novel, the protagonist's pragmatic aunt is constantly meddling in the romantic affairs of her nieces.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “pragmatic” in context.
Verb
01. adopt a pragmatic
“The government decided to adopt a pragmatic stance on the new environmental policy.”
verb + noun + adj
02. remain pragmatic
“Despite the emotional nature of the debate, he managed to remain pragmatic.”
verb + adj
Adjective
03. highly pragmatic
“She is known for being highly pragmatic when dealing with difficult negotiations.”
adv + adj
04. pragmatic approach
“The committee decided to take a pragmatic approach to the budget cuts.”
adj + noun
05. pragmatic reasons
“They chose the smaller office for purely pragmatic reasons.”
adj + noun
06. pragmatic solution
“We need a pragmatic solution that can be implemented immediately.”
adj + noun
07. appreciation pragmatic
Real-World Examples
“By paying attention to voice pitch, men can make pragmatic decisions, from a safe distance, about whether to challenge another man or join with him against other men.” “But we’re a really pragmatic company that focuses on really delivering results in cash and growth, so I’d rather kind of stick to the themes that I’m currently around.”
So who is right?” Etymology
From Middle French pragmatique, from Late Latin pragmaticus (“relating to civil affair; in Latin, as a noun, a person versed in the law who furnished arguments and points to advocates and orators, a kind of attorney”), from Ancient Greek πραγματικός (pragmatikós, “active, versed in affairs”), from πρᾶγμα (prâgma, “a thing done, a fact”), in plural πράγματα (prágmata, “affairs, state affairs, public business, etc.”), from πράσσω (prássō, “to do”) (whence English practical).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/pragmatic
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0