Show This shows grade level based on the word's complexity. [ prag-muh-tiz-uhm ] / ˈpræg məˌtɪz əm / character or conduct that emphasizes practicality. a philosophical movement or system having various forms, but generally stressing practical consequences as constituting the essential criterion in determining meaning, truth, or value. THIS QUIZ ON BLUE OPPOSITES WILL SURELY "BLUE" YOU AWAY What do you think the opposite of blue is? See how much you know about the many ways we can describe the opposite of blue. What does SAFFRON symbolize in Hindu traditions? TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT First recorded in 1860–65; pragmat(ic) + -ism prag·ma·tis·tic, adjectivean·ti·prag·ma·tism, noun pragmatic, pragmaticism, pragmatics, pragmatic sanction, pragmatic theory, pragmatism, pragmatist, Prague, Prague maneuver, Prague pelvis, Prague School Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022 Pragmatism is a way of dealing with problems or situations that focuses on practical approaches and solutions—ones that will work in practice, as opposed to being ideal in theory. The word pragmatism is often contrasted with the word idealism, which means based on or having high principles or ideals. Pragmatism, on the other hand, is based on real-world conditions or circumstances—considering what can realistically be done as opposed to the best theoretical course of action. More specifically, pragmatism can refer to the philosophical movement or approach that emphasizes practical consequences in the determination of meaning, truth, or value. The adjective form pragmatic means practical, especially when making decisions. The word pragmatist can refer to a person who prefers to act pragmatically, or to a philosopher who adheres to the movement of pragmatism. Example: We need a candidate who values pragmatism and can get things done in the real world—not some idealist who will never compromise. The first records of the word pragmatism come from the 1800s. It ultimately derives from the Greek pragmatikós, meaning “practical,” from pragma, meaning “act,” from prā́ssein, “to do.” The words practical and praxis derive from the same root. People considered idealistic typically try to achieve the best-case scenario—the one based on their ideals. Such idealists are sometimes told they should try pragmatism, meaning they should focus on the realistic options or courses of action. Of course, many people navigate life with a balance of pragmatism and idealism: sometimes they compromise, and sometimes they stick to their principles no matter what. Pragmatism isn’t always contrasted with idealism. Sometimes, it’s just used to refer to a practical, logical, or sensible way of doing things. Pragmatism is commonly used in a positive way in the context of choices or actions that are considered practical and reasonable. It’s often used in the context of political positions or actions.
Which of the following words is LEAST like to describe an action that’s considered an example of pragmatism? A. realistic B. sensible C. utilitarian D. idealistic disdain, criterion, heterodoxy, utilitarianism, airs, assumption, cockiness, conceit, condescension, contumely, disdainfulness, egoism, egotism, haughtiness, hauteur, hubris, huff, immodesty, insolence, loftiness
British Dictionary definitions for pragmatismaction or policy dictated by consideration of the immediate practical consequences rather than by theory or dogma philosophy pragmatist, noun, adjectivepragmatistic, adjective Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 Medical definitions for pragmatismA way of approaching situations or solving problems that emphasizes practical applications and consequences. prag•mat′ic (-măt′ĭk) adj.prag′ma•tist n. The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. Cultural definitions for pragmatismAn approach to philosophy, primarily held by American philosophers, which holds that the truth or meaning of a statement is to be measured by its practical (i.e., pragmatic) consequences. William James and John Dewey were pragmatists. The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved. WORD OF THE DAY scholarchnoun | [skol-ahrk ]SEE DEFINITIONFEEDBACK© 2022 Dictionary.com, LLC |