pragmatic
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
dealing with problems in a practical way that works, rather than just following ideas or theories.
dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.
Simple“We need to be pragmatic and choose the solution that we can actually afford.”
In context“The leader took a pragmatic approach to the negotiations, prioritising a workable compromise over the rigid demands of his party's platform.”
Antonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
relating to the study of how people use language in real situations to communicate meaning.
relating to the branch of linguistics that deals with the relationship between symbols and their users, specifically how context contributes to meaning.
Simple“The teacher explained the pragmatic meaning of the phrase, which was different from its literal meaning.”
In context“A pragmatic analysis of the dialogue reveals that the speaker's intent was to issue a polite request rather than a direct command.”
Synonyms - 03 C2 Proficiency
interfering in other people's business in an annoying way.
inclined to interfere in the affairs of others; officious or meddlesome.
Simple“The old man was known for his pragmatic nature, always telling his neighbours how to run their lives.”
In context“In the nineteenth-century novel, the protagonist's pragmatic aunt is constantly meddling in the romantic affairs of her nieces.”
Synonyms
Usage appreciation pragmatic
“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?”
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.