Word of the Day: PRAGMATIC

Practical above all else

pragmatic (adj) - practical, logical, or sensible in making decisions and solving problems; realistic instead of idealistic [prag-mat-ik]

• a pragmatist is someone who deals with life in a practical, sensible way

• pragmatism is consideration of only the practical consequences of an action; also a philosophical tradition emphasizing practicality

• pragmatics is the linguistic study of how context contributes to meaning

BREAKDOWN: That the definition of the word pragmatic is so heavily focused on practicality is no coincidence–the words share a common root. PRACTIC- is a root meaning method or practice in words like practical, praxis, and chiropractic. All of these words derive from Greek prāgmatikós meaning, of course, practical.

“Pure pragmatism can't imagine a bold future. Pure idealism can't get anything done. It is the delicate blend of both that drives innovation.” —Simon Sinek

[Our Wednesday Wildcards are fascinating and important words that are not derived from classical roots.]