pragmatist
UK: ˈpræɡmətɪst | US: ˈpræɡmətɪst
n. a person who is pragmatic; someone who approaches problems or situations in a practical, realistic way rather than relying on theory or ideology.
pragmatist = pragmat<practical action> + ist<one who practices>
- pragmat: Derived from Greek pragma (πρᾶγμα), meaning "deed, act, practical matter."
- ist: A suffix from Greek -istes, denoting "one who practices or is concerned with something."
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Greek pragma (deed), reflecting a focus on action over abstraction. Latin adopted it as pragmaticus (skilled in business or law), and by the 19th century, English formed pragmatist to describe individuals prioritizing practical outcomes. The suffix -ist aligns with agent nouns (e.g., artist, scientist), emphasizing the role of the practitioner.
As a pragmatist, she prioritized solutions that worked over idealistic theories.
The engineer’s pragmatist approach saved the project from costly delays.
Politicians who are pragmatists often compromise to achieve measurable progress.
His reputation as a pragmatist made him a sought-after advisor in crises.
The company hired a pragmatist to streamline operations and cut inefficiencies.