pragmatical

/præg'mætik/

Thân thiện

A pragmatical engineer chooses the most efficient design for the bridge.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Concerned with practical matters: Focusing on what is sensible, realistic, or useful rather than theoretical or idealistic considerations.
   • Of or concerning the theory of pragmatism: Relating to the philosophical doctrine that evaluates concepts or theories by their practical consequences and real-world effects.

Usage and Examples

• As an adjective meaning "concerned with practical matters":
  • The manager took a pragmatical approach to the budget crisis, focusing on immediate cost-saving measures.
  • Her pragmatical advice was to fix the old car rather than buy a new one.
• As an adjective relating to the philosophy of pragmatism:
  • The professor's pragmatical analysis of the ethical theory focused on its societal outcomes.
  • His argument was more pragmatical than ideological, centered on what would actually work.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• "Pragmatical" vs. "Pragmatic": In modern usage, "pragmatic" is the far more common form. "Pragmatical" is often considered a less frequent variant, though both share the same core meanings. In philosophical contexts, "pragmatic" is typically preferred.
• The term can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation of being overly practical or dismissive of principles, though this is context-dependent.

Variants and Related Words

• Pragmatic (adj): The standard and more frequently used form with identical meanings.
• Pragmatism (n): The philosophical tradition or a practical way of thinking.
• Pragmatist (n): A person who is pragmatic; a follower of pragmatism.

Synonyms

• Practical: Sensible and realistic in approach.
• Realistic: Having a sensible and practical idea of what can be achieved.
• Down-to-earth: Practical and realistic.
• Utilitarian: Designed to be useful or practical rather than attractive.

Antonyms

• Theoretical: Concerned with or involving the abstract principles of a subject.
• Idealistic: Characterized by lofty ideals, often unrealistically so.
• Impractical: Not adapted for use or action; not sensible or realistic.
• Dogmatic: Inclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. concerned with practical matters
   • a matter-of-fact (or pragmatic) approach to the problem
   • a matter-of-fact account of the trip
2. of or concerning the theory of pragmatism

Từ đồng nghĩa

• matter-of-fact
• pragmatic