Pragmatist: meaning, definitions and examples

Someone who is focused on practical approaches to problems and situations, often prioritizing tangible results over theories or principles.

• As a pragmatist, she always finds the most efficient way to solve issues at work.
• His pragmatist attitude made him a valuable leader during the crisis.

A person who accepts and deals with things as they really are, often seeing them in a straightforward and unidealized way.

• He's a realist who understands that not every problem has a perfect solution.
• As a realist, she prepares for the worst but hopes for the best.

An individual who deals with situations in a sensible and effective way, prioritizing what works in practice rather than what is idealistic or theoretical.

• Being a practical person, he always makes sure his plans are realistic and achievable.
• Her friends often rely on her advice because she's known as a practical person.

Someone who believes in or adheres to the philosophy of utilitarianism, which values actions that maximize overall happiness or usefulness. This term can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation, implying a lack of concern for individual rights or subtleties.

• His decision to cut the art program was seen as utilitarian, focusing solely on budget cuts.
• She took a utilitarian approach to designing the new workspace, prioritizing functionality over aesthetics.

Used to describe someone who focuses on practical approaches and solutions that are based on the situation's realities rather than on theoretical or idealistic considerations.

• She's a pragmatist who always looks for actionable solutions.
• As a pragmatist, he believes in getting tangible results.

Refers to someone who consistently uses common sense and straightforward thinking to solve problems or make decisions.

• A practical thinker, he quickly found a way to fix the issue.
• Her approach to planning is always that of a practical thinker.

Describes a person who assesses situations based on real-world conditions and factual evidence rather than on predictions or hypotheses.

• The real-world evaluator provided a detailed report based on current market trends.
• He is a real-world evaluator who bases his judgments on actual data.

Used in broader philosophical or ethical discussions to describe someone who makes decisions based on the greatest overall benefit or utility to society.

• As a utilitarian philosopher, she argues for choices that provide the most good for the most people.
• His utilitarian philosopher's viewpoint influences his policy recommendations.