pragmatic Meaning, Definition & Usage
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noun an imperial decree that becomes part of the fundamental law of the land
pragmatic sanction.
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adjective satellite concerned with practical matters
matter-of-fact; pragmatical.
- a matter-of-fact (or pragmatic) approach to the problem
- a matter-of-fact account of the trip
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adjective of or concerning the theory of pragmatism
pragmatical.
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adjective satellite guided by practical experience and observation rather than theory
practical; hardheaded; hard-nosed.
- a hardheaded appraisal of our position
- a hard-nosed labor leader
- completely practical in his approach to business
- not ideology but pragmatic politics
WordNet
Prag*mat"ic, Prag*mat"ic*al adjective
(Also<
- Pragmatic
- Pragmatical
)
Etymology
L.Definitions
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Of or pertaining to business or to affairs; of the nature of business; practical; material; businesslike in habit or manner. The next day . . . I began to be very pragmatical. Evelyn.
We can not always be contemplative, diligent, or pragmatical, abroad; but have need of some delightful intermissions. Milton.
Low, pragmatical, earthly views of the gospel. Hare.
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Busy; specifically, busy in an objectionable way; officious; fussy and positive; meddlesome. "Pragmatical officers of justice." Sir W. Scott.The fellow grew so pragmatical that he took upon him the government of my whole family. Arbuthnot.
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Philosophical; dealing with causes, reasons, and effects, rather than with details and circumstances; -- said of literature. "Pragmatic history." Sir W. Hamilton. "Pragmatic poetry." M. Arnold.
Prag*mat"ic noun
Definitions
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One skilled in affairs. My attorney and solicitor too; a fine pragmatic. B. Jonson.
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A solemn public ordinance or decree. A royal pragmatic was accordingly passed. Prescott.
