PRAGMATIC
pragmatic, matter-of-fact, pragmatical
(adjective) concerned with practical matters; “a matter-of-fact (or pragmatic) approach to the problem”; “a matter-of-fact account of the trip”
hardheaded, hard-nosed, practical, pragmatic
(adjective) guided by practical experience and observation rather than theory; “a hardheaded appraisal of our position”; “a hard-nosed labor leader”; “completely practical in his approach to business”; “not ideology but pragmatic politics”
pragmatic, pragmatical
(adjective) of or concerning the theory of pragmatism
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Adjective
pragmatic (comparative more pragmatic, superlative most pragmatic)
Practical, concerned with making decisions and actions that are useful in practice, not just theory.
Philosophical; dealing with causes, reasons, and effects, rather than with details and circumstances; said of literature.
Interfering in the affairs of others; officious; meddlesome.
Synonyms
• (practical): down-to-earth, functional, practical, utilitarian, realistic
Antonyms
• idealistic
Noun
pragmatic (plural pragmatics)
A man of business.
A busybody.
A public decree.
Source: Wiktionary
Prag*mat"ic, Prag*mat"ic*al, a. Etym: [L. pragmaticus busy, active,
skilled in business, especially in law and state affairs, systematic,
Gr. pragmatique. See Practical.]
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
Pragmatic sanction, a solemn ordinance or decree issued by the head
or legislature of a state upon weighty matters; -- a term derived
from the Byzantine empire. In European history, two decrees under
this name are particularly celebrated. One of these, issued by
Charles VII. of France, A. D. 1438, was the foundation of the
liberties of the Gallican church; the other, issued by Charles VI. of
Germany, A. D. 1724, settled his hereditary dominions on his eldest
daughter, the Archduchess Maria Theresa.
Prag*mat"ic, n.
1. One skilled in affairs.
My attorney and solicitor too; a fine pragmatic. B. Jonson.
2. A solemn public ordinance or decree.
A royal pragmatic was accordingly passed. Prescott.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition