pragmatic
Focused on practical results rather than abstract ideas.
ExampleThe committee chose a pragmatic solution rather than a perfect but costly plan.
ExampleHer pragmatic approach valued results over ideology.
Usage Scenarios
Evaluating solutions
Use pragmatic when a solution works even if it is not perfect.
ExampleThe mayor adopted a pragmatic plan that could be implemented immediately.
Contrasting ideals
Use it when practical needs outweigh abstract principles.
ExampleAlthough the proposal lacked elegance, it was pragmatic.
Usage Guide
Use pragmatic when a GRE sentence values workable results over pure theory or principle. It often appears in policy, leadership, or decision-making contexts.
Strong chunks include pragmatic approach, pragmatic solution, pragmatic decision, and pragmatic compromise in contexts where workable results matter more than purity.
Do not use pragmatic as a synonym for good. It means practical, and it may contrast with ideal but unrealistic options.
Word Forms & Word Building
Pragmatic comes from a root idea connected with action or deeds, which is why the word focuses on workable results.
Pragmatically is the -ly adverb: the team acted pragmatically, meaning they chose what could actually work.
Pragmatism uses the noun suffix -ism for a practical way of thinking or judging.
Meaning Boundaries
Pragmatic vs practical
Practical is common and broad. Pragmatic often implies a deliberate choice to prioritize workable results.
Pragmatic vs idealistic
Idealistic focuses on principles or perfect aims. Pragmatic focuses on what can work.
Register
Pragmatic is formal and common in GRE passages about policy, judgment, and compromise.
Memory Tricks
Think practical results. Pragmatic asks what works under real limits, even if the answer is not elegant or ideal.
Pair it with solution and approach for GRE sentence completion.
Look for contrast words like idealistic, theoretical, or impractical.
Common Traps
Do not use pragmatic for physical convenience only.
Do not confuse pragmatic with dogmatic. Dogmatic means stubbornly opinionated.
A pragmatic choice can still have moral consequences; the word does not automatically mean selfish.