Pragmatist: meaning, definitions and examples

🤔

Add to dictionary

pragmatist

[ˈpræɡmətɪst ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

person

A pragmatist is a person who is guided more by practical considerations than by ideals or theory.

Synonyms

practical person, realist, utilitarian.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pragmatist	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.
realist	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.
practical person	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.
utilitarian	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.

Examples of usage

As a pragmatist, she focused on what would work best in the situation rather than what was ideologically correct.
The pragmatist in the group suggested a compromise that would benefit everyone involved.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

philosophy

In philosophy, a pragmatist is someone who evaluates theories or beliefs in terms of the success of their practical application.

Synonyms

practical thinker, real-world evaluator, utilitarian philosopher.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pragmatist	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.
practical thinker	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.
real-world evaluator	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.
utilitarian philosopher	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.

Examples of usage

The pragmatist argued that the truth of a belief should be judged by its consequences in real life.
Pragmatists believe that the value of an idea lies in its usefulness and practicality.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Greek 'pragma,' meaning 'deed' or 'action,' emphasizing the importance of practical action.
It first appeared in English in the early 20th century, connected to a philosophical movement focusing on practical consequences.
The term has roots in children's play, where 'pragmatic' means figuring out what actually happens when you try something.

Philosophy

Pragmatism, a philosophical movement, emphasizes the ties between thought and action, valuing ideas based on their practical impact.
Key figures include William James and John Dewey, who argued that beliefs should be validated through their effects in the real world.
Pragmatism contrasts with idealism, which prioritizes concepts and ideals over real-world applications.

Culture

In popular culture, pragmatic characters often appear as problem solvers who creatively manage challenges, like in many detective stories.
The movement has influenced various fields, including education, where practical skills are valued alongside theoretical knowledge.
Pragmatism is often humorously depicted in films, where characters use down-to-earth solutions to absurd problems.

Psychology

Psychologists regard pragmatism as an essential trait for effective decision-making and adaptability in uncertain situations.
Studies suggest that practical thinkers tend to have lower anxiety levels when tackling complex challenges.
This approach fosters resilience, as pragmatists often view setbacks as learning opportunities rather than failures.

Science

In scientific methodology, being pragmatic helps researchers focus on experiments and data that have real-world applications.
Many technological advances stem from a pragmatic approach, which encourages trying new ideas until something works.
Environmental scientists often apply pragmatic solutions to combat climate change, looking for effective methods that can be implemented quickly.

Translations

Translations of the word "pragmatist" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pragmatista

🇮🇳 व्यावहारिक

🇩🇪 Pragmatiker

🇮🇩 pragmatis

🇺🇦 прагматик

🇵🇱 pragmatyk

🇯🇵 実用主義者

🇫🇷 pragmatique

🇪🇸 pragmático

🇹🇷 pragmatist

🇰🇷 실용주의자

🇸🇦 براغماتي

🇨🇿 pragmatik

🇸🇰 pragmatik

🇨🇳 实用主义者

🇸🇮 pragmatik

🇮🇸 raunsæismaður

🇰🇿 прагматик

🇬🇪 პრაგმატიკოსი

🇦🇿 pragmatik

🇲🇽 pragmático

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,146, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
27143 scampered
27144 antisemitism
27145 quaintly
27146 pragmatist
27147 hospitably
27148 resurfaced
27149 biotech
...