pragmatist: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, academic, business
Quick answer
What does “pragmatist” mean?
A person who is practical and focused on achieving results rather than following theories or ideals.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who is practical and focused on achieving results rather than following theories or ideals.
A person who approaches problems and situations in a practical, realistic way, often prioritizing workable solutions over ideological purity; also refers to a follower of the philosophical school of pragmatism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The philosophical term is equally used in both varieties.
Connotations
Generally positive in both, implying practicality and effectiveness. Can be slightly negative if implying unprincipled compromise.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American English, reflecting the philosophical tradition's American roots (Peirce, James, Dewey).
Grammar
How to Use “pragmatist” in a Sentence
[be/consider] a pragmatist[act/think] like a pragmatist[describe/label] as a pragmatistVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pragmatist” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - 'pragmatise' is obsolete.
American English
- N/A - 'pragmatize' is rare/obsolete.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- Her pragmatist approach saved the project.
American English
- His pragmatist views shaped the new policy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Valued for focusing on bottom-line results and practical solutions over untested ideas.
Academic
Used in philosophy, political science, and linguistics to denote a specific theoretical orientation.
Everyday
Describes someone who is down-to-earth and solves problems practically.
Technical
In philosophy, a proponent of the theory that the meaning of a concept lies in its practical consequences.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pragmatist”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pragmatist”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pragmatist”
- Misspelling as 'pragamatist' or 'pragmatis'. Using it as a direct synonym for 'cynic'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is generally positive, emphasizing practicality and results. It can be negative if it implies a lack of principles or vision.
They are close synonyms. A 'realist' accepts situations as they are. A 'pragmatist' actively seeks practical solutions based on that reality.
Standard usage prefers 'pragmatic' as the adjective ('a pragmatic approach'). Using 'pragmatist' as an adjective (e.g., 'a pragmatist view') is considered non-standard or a stylistic choice.
The related verb is 'to pragmatize', but it is very rare. The concept is more commonly expressed with phrases like 'to take a pragmatic approach' or 'to be pragmatic'.
A person who is practical and focused on achieving results rather than following theories or ideals.
Pragmatist is usually formal, academic, business in register.
Pragmatist: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpræɡ.mə.tɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpræɡ.mə.t̬ɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A pragmatist to the core.”
- “He has a pragmatist's eye for what works.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PRAGmatic specialIST - an expert in being practical.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRAGMATIST IS A TOOL USER (focuses on what works as a tool for a job).
Practice
Quiz
In a philosophical context, a 'pragmatist' primarily believes that: