pragmatic
- Dealing with problems in a practical, sensible way rather than relying on theory or dogma.
- Relating to philosophical pragmatism, which evaluates ideas by their practical consequences.
In a sentence
- A pragmatic approach to the budget crisis meant cutting costs before debating long-term strategy.
- She was too pragmatic to let idealism override what she knew would actually work.
Usage note. Pragmatic is almost always positive in everyday use; distinguish it from 'opportunistic,' which implies self-serving calculation rather than principled practicality.
Where it comes from
English pragmatic · entered English late 16th c.
From Latin pragmaticus ('skilled in business or law'), from Greek pragmatikos ('relating to fact or action'), derived from pragma ('deed, act'), from prassein ('to do'). It entered English in the late 16th century.