What is pragmatic? Pronunciation and usage in English

pragmatic means . Learn how to pronounce and use pragmatic through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of pragmatic

pragmaticadjective

/præɡˈmætɪk//præɡˈmætɪk/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "pragmatic." It can be a little tricky for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables: It's divided into three syllables:

  • Prag - like the word "drag" (as in, to drag something)
  • Mat - like the word "mat"
  • Ik - a short, quick "ick" sound, almost like "ick" as in "pick" (but softer)

2. Phonetic Transcription (for those who like it):

/prəˈɡmætɪk/

  • prə - (like “pra”) – a short, unstressed vowel sound. The 'r' is very light and almost silent.
  • ˈɡmæt - (stress on this syllable) – This is the core of the pronunciation. "Gram" as in grammar, but with a slightly softer “m”.
  • ɪk - (like “ick”) – as described above.
  • k – a standard 'k' sound

3. Putting it Together - A Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Say "pra" (like "drag").
  2. Add a short "mat" sound (like the word "mat").
  3. Finally, add a quick, soft "ick" sound.

4. Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • Don't over-emphasize the "g": It's not a forceful "g" like in "go." It's softer and blends into the "m".
  • The "r" is light: Don’t roll your “r” like in Spanish. It’s almost silent.
  • The "ick" sound is key: This is often where people stumble. Practice saying "ick" quickly and lightly.

Resources for Hearing it:

  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/pragmatic/ (You can hear native speakers pronounce it)
  • Google Translate: Type “pragmatic” in Google Translate and click the speaker icon.

To help me tailor the instruction even further, would you like me to:

  • Focus on a specific part of the pronunciation you're struggling with (e.g., the "ick" sound)?
  • Give you some example sentences to practice saying "pragmatic" in context?

Usage and examples with the word pragmatic in English

Let's break down how to use the word "pragmatic" in English. It's a versatile word with a specific meaning, and understanding how to use it correctly will make your writing and speech much more effective.

1. Core Meaning:

  • Pragmatic essentially means dealing with things in a practical and sensible way, focusing on what works rather than on ideals or abstract principles. It’s about getting things done effectively. Think "realistic" and "results-oriented."

2. How to Use It – Different Contexts:

  • Describing a Person: This is the most common use. You’ll use “pragmatic” to describe someone whose approach is sensible and focused on practical solutions.

    • Example: “Sarah is a very pragmatic leader; she always makes decisions based on what’s achievable, not what should be.”
    • Example: “He’s a pragmatic businessman who prioritizes profit over sentiment.”
    • Synonyms: practical, sensible, realistic, down-to-earth.

  • Describing a Solution or Approach: You can use “pragmatic” to describe a method or strategy that is effective and avoids unnecessary complications.

    • Example: “The pragmatic approach to solving the problem was to simply cut costs.”
    • Example: “A pragmatic solution would be to hire a temporary worker.”
    • Synonyms: sensible, efficient, straightforward, workable.

  • Describing a Belief or Attitude: Sometimes, "pragmatic" can be used to describe a belief system that is grounded in reality and focused on achieving tangible outcomes. This is less common, but useful to know.

    • Example: “He had a pragmatic view of the world, believing that success was the result of hard work and determination.”

3. Key Phrases & Sentence Structures:

  • “A pragmatic approach…” – “A pragmatic approach to problem-solving…”
  • “A pragmatic solution…” – “A pragmatic solution was to…”
  • “He/She is a pragmatic person…” – “He’s a pragmatic leader…”
  • “He/She takes a pragmatic view…” – “She takes a pragmatic view of the situation…”

4. Things to Note:

  • It can sometimes be perceived negatively: While “pragmatic” is generally positive, it can sometimes be seen as lacking idealism or perhaps even cold or ruthless. The context will show if it’s being a compliment or a criticism.
  • Contrast with “idealistic”: "Pragmatic" is often contrasted with "idealistic." An idealist focuses on goals and principles, while a pragmatic person focuses on achieving those goals in a realistic way.

5. Examples in Context:

  • “The company needed a pragmatic strategy to turn around its declining sales.”
  • “Despite the challenges, the negotiators remained pragmatic and sought common ground.”
  • “She was praised for her pragmatic skills in managing the budget.”
  • “He offered a pragmatic solution that didn't require a complete overhaul of the system."

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write or say? (e.g., a description of a person, an explanation of a situation, etc.)
  • Do you have a specific sentence you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word pragmatic

Practice with vocabulary pragmatic

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Instead of developing an elaborate, theoretical solution, the project manager proposed a more ________ approach to tackle the immediate technical issues.
  2. While the long-term vision was inspiring, investors demanded a more ________ business plan that outlined achievable milestones for the next quarter.
  3. Facing budget cuts, the department head adopted a ________ strategy, prioritizing essential services over less critical, long-term initiatives.
  4. To meet the tight deadline, the team implemented several ________ workflows that eliminated redundant steps and maximized productivity.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following best describes a manager who prioritizes actionable steps and measurable outcomes over abstract concepts when solving a business problem?

    • A) Idealistic
    • B) Dogmatic
    • C) Pragmatic
    • D) Theoretical
    • E) Realistic

  2. A new software tool reduced the time required to process customer requests by 30% and minimized resource consumption. This makes the process more:

    • A) Effective
    • B) Efficient
    • C) Theoretical
    • D) Redundant

  3. In a negotiation, which approach would most likely focus on finding a workable compromise that yields tangible results for both parties, rather than adhering strictly to an initial, rigid stance?

    • A) Principled
    • B) Practical
    • C) Pragmatic
    • D) Uncompromising
    • E) Conciliatory

  4. A research approach that relies heavily on observational data and real-world experiments, rather than abstract models, is best described as:

    • A) Speculative
    • B) Hypothetical
    • C) Empirical
    • D) Conceptual

  5. Which characteristics are associated with a decision-making process that values feasibility and tangible impact over theoretical perfection?

    • A) Empirical
    • B) Utopian
    • C) Data-driven
    • D) Pragmatic
    • E) Abstract

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The committee decided to take a realistic, practical approach, focusing on what was achievable with their current resources. (Rewrite using "pragmatic")
  2. Her decision-making style consistently involves evaluating the practical consequences and implications of every choice. (Rewrite using "pragmatic" or a related word form)
  3. Despite facing significant challenges, they developed a sensible plan that would deliver results quickly. (Rewrite, but do not use "pragmatic"; use a suitable replacement word)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. pragmatic
  2. realistic
  3. pragmatic
  4. efficient

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C) Pragmatic, E) Realistic
  2. B) Efficient
  3. B) Practical, C) Pragmatic, E) Conciliatory
  4. C) Empirical
  5. A) Empirical, C) Data-driven, D) Pragmatic

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The committee adopted a pragmatic approach, focusing on what was achievable with their current resources.
  2. She approaches decisions with great pragmatism, consistently evaluating practical consequences and implications.
  3. Despite facing significant challenges, they developed an effective plan that would deliver results quickly.

Comment ()