Pragmatic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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pragmatic
[præɡˈmætɪk ]
Definitions
in decision-making
Dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.
Synonyms
efficient, logical, practical, realistic, sensible.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pragmatic |
Best used when referring to someone who is focused on dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical considerations.
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| practical |
Applicable when describing someone who is more concerned with the actual doing or use of something rather than with theory and ideas.
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| realistic |
Best used when someone understands and accepts facts without being influenced by emotion or illusion, often leading to the setting of achievable goals.
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| sensible |
Used to describe actions that show good judgment and practicality, often in a reasonable and careful manner.
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| logical |
Used to describe actions or thoughts that follow clear, rational principles or reasoning.
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| efficient |
Ideal for situations where someone or something is able to achieve maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense.
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Examples of usage
- She's a pragmatic person who values efficiency over ideology.
- In this pragmatic approach, we focus on what works best in practice.
linguistics
Denoting a sentence that contains a statement which is either true or false, regardless of the truth value of its components.
Synonyms
truth-functional.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pragmatic |
Pragmatic is used when focusing on practical and realistic approaches rather than theoretical ones. It is often used in discussions involving problem-solving, decision-making, and business strategies.
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| truth-functional |
Truth-functional is a term used in logic and philosophy to describe logical connectives that produce a truth value based on the truth values of their components. It is a very technical term and is mostly used in academic and scholarly discussions.
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Examples of usage
- The sentence 'The cat is on the mat' is a pragmatic sentence because it is either true or false.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Philosophy
- Pragmatism is a philosophical movement that focuses on the practical consequences of beliefs as the basis for meaning and truth.
- Founding figures like Charles Sanders Peirce and William James emphasized that ideas must be tested through experiences.
- Pragmatism shifts the focus from abstract ideals to real-world applications, significantly influencing modern thought.
Psychology
- A pragmatic mindset can enhance problem-solving skills by prioritizing workable solutions over idealistic theories.
- Research shows that individuals who adopt a pragmatic approach are often more adaptable in stressful situations.
- In therapy, a pragmatic approach encourages clients to focus on actionable steps in their daily lives rather than getting lost in theoretical debates.
Education
- Pragmatic teaching methods emphasize hands-on activities that allow students to apply knowledge in real-life scenarios.
- Learners often retain information better when they engage in practical exercises rather than rote memorization.
- Curriculum designs that are pragmatically focused promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students.
Legislation
- Pragmatic policies often emphasize compromise and realism, reflecting the needs and concerns of diverse populations.
- In political discourse, a pragmatic approach seeks to achieve practical outcomes, even if it involves trade-offs.
- Legislators advocating for pragmatism aim to create laws that effectively address issues rather than adhering strictly to ideology.
Origin of 'pragmatic'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Greek 'pragmatikos', meaning 'practical' or 'active'.
- It was first used in English in the late 19th century, primarily in philosophical contexts.
- In classical language, it referred to 'doing' or 'acting', highlighting its action-oriented roots.
The word 'pragmatic' originated in the late 19th century from the Latin word 'pragmaticus', meaning skilled in business or law. It evolved to its current usage in philosophy and linguistics to describe a practical and realistic approach. The concept of pragmatism was further developed by philosophers such as William James and John Dewey in the early 20th century, emphasizing the importance of practical consequences and real-world applications.