Pragmatic
Etymology
From Greek "pragmatikos" (relating to fact, business, or action), from "pragma" (a deed, a thing done), from "prassein" (to do, to act). The pragmatic person is oriented toward deeds and their effects rather than toward abstractions.
adjective · /prag-MAT-ik/
Guided by what actually works and produces results rather than by theory or ideals.
What it names
A handle for judging choices by their consequences on the ground — useful when principle and practicality pull apart.
Example
A pragmatic compromise passed; the pure version died in committee.
Related idea
It shades close to practical but adds a flavor: practical means suited to actual use, while pragmatic implies a willingness to set ideals aside for outcomes. Called on a person, "pragmatic" can quietly mean unbothered by consistency.
See also