Pragmatic

adjective

/præɡˈmætɪk/

Dealing with problems sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical or idealistic considerations; concerned with actual outcomes rather than abstract principles.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

Rather than pursuing ideologically rigid prescriptions, a pragmatic approach to welfare delivery weighs administrative feasibility, fiscal constraints and ground realities, allowing the state to calibrate policy to outcomes that genuinely improve citizens' lives.

Synonyms

practicalrealisticmatter-of-factsensiblehard-headeddown-to-earth

Antonyms

idealisticimpracticaldogmaticutopian

🌱 Word Family

pragmatism (n), pragmatist (n), pragmatically (adv), pragmatics (n), unpragmatic (adj)

🔡 Root

Greek pragma = deed/act (genitive pragmatos); pragmatikos = relating to fact; Latin pragmaticus = practical

📜 Etymology

From Latin pragmaticus 'skilled in business, practical', from Greek pragmatikos 'relating to fact or action', from pragma 'a deed, an act' (genitive pragmatos), from prassein/prattein 'to do, to act'. Entered English in the 16th century.

🧠 Memory Hook

Think of a "PRAGMATIC" person as one who cares about PRA(c)tical ACTion — rooted in Greek pragma, "a thing DONE"; they value deeds and results, not lofty theories.

🏛️ Governance 📖 Seen in: Good Governance — Metrics, Indices & G...

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