pragmatise
Verb: - To represent as real or practical: "pragmatise" means to interpret or present something (such as a myth, legend, or abstract idea) in a way that makes it seem factual, concrete, or pragmatically useful, rather than purely imaginative or symbolic. - Etymology note: Derived from "pragmatic" (concerned with practical matters), this verb is used in scholarly or literary contexts to describe the process of rationalising or historicising a fictional or mythical narrative.
- Verb:
- The historian sought to pragmatise the ancient legend by linking it to documented events. (To make the legend seem historically real and practical.)
- In his novel, the author pragmatises the fairy tale by setting it in a modern city. (To adapt the fairy tale to a realistic, contemporary setting.)
- Critics argued that the film pragmatised the myth too literally, stripping it of its symbolic power. (To represent the myth as a concrete, factual story.)
"to pragmatise a narrative": to transform a story from a symbolic or allegorical form into one that appears to be based on real events or practical reasoning.
- The textbook pragmatises the creation myth by explaining it as a metaphor for natural phenomena. (The textbook reinterprets the myth as a practical explanation.)
"pragmatised version": a retelling or interpretation that emphasises practical or historical plausibility.
- The film offers a pragmatised version of the Arthurian legend, with knights portrayed as historical warlords. (A version that downplays magic in favour of realism.)
Pragmatism (n): a philosophical approach that evaluates theories or beliefs in terms of their practical success.
- His pragmatism led him to choose the most efficient solution. (His focus on practical outcomes.)
Pragmatic (adj): dealing with things in a practical, sensible way.
- She took a pragmatic approach to the problem. (She focused on what works in practice.)
Pragmatist (n): a person who advocates or follows a pragmatic approach.
- As a pragmatist, he avoided abstract theories. (He preferred practical methods.)
Rationalise: to explain or justify something in a logical or plausible way.
- He tried to rationalise the myth by connecting it to historical events. (To make it seem reasonable.)
Historicise: to interpret something as having historical context or reality.
- The scholar historicised the legend by tracing its origins to a real battle. (To place it in a historical framework.)
Concretise: to make something abstract into a concrete or tangible form.
- The artist concretised the idea of freedom in a sculpture. (To give a physical form to an abstract concept.)
- "to bring down to earth": to make something seem more realistic or practical.
- The director brought the fantasy story down to earth by adding gritty details. (To make it more grounded and plausible.)