# pragmatic

/pɹæɡˈmætɪk/ (US) · /pɹæɡmˈætɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pragmatic
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. practical and sensible

adjective · CEFR B2

dealing with problems in a practical way that works, rather than just following ideas or theories.

For teachers: dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.

- 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.

### 2. relating to linguistics

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical · Academic

relating to the study of how people use language in real situations to communicate meaning.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. meddlesome

adjective · CEFR C2 · Archaic

interfering in other people's business in an annoying way.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- She took a pragmatic approach to solving the problem.
- The committee made a pragmatic decision to cut the budget now rather than risk a total collapse next year.
- While the proposal was ideologically pure, the leadership opted for a more pragmatic strategy that would ensure the bill's passage through a divided parliament.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.