Pragmatism Meaning
/ˈpɹæɡmətɪzəm/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe pursuit of practicality over aesthetic qualities; a concentration on facts rather than emotions or ideals.
nounThe idea that beliefs are identified with the actions of a believer, and the truth of beliefs with success of those actions in securing a believer's goals; the doctrine that ideas must be looked at in terms of their practical effects and consequences.
Sentence Examples
International relations are governed by pragmatism.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
His ____ led him to accept the compromise that solved the problem quickly.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Her ____ in business meant she always prioritized results over rigid adherence to principles.
Word Origin & History
From Ancient Greek stem of πρᾶγμα (prâgma, “act”) + -ism.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Our conception of these practical consequences is for us the whole of our conception of the object, so far as that conception has positive significance at all. This is the principle of [Charles Sanders] Peirce, the principle of pragmatism."
— 1902, William James, “Lecture XVIII: Philosophy”, in The Varieties of Religious Experience: A Study in Human Nature […] , New York, N.Y.; London: Longmans, Green, and Co. […], →OCLC, page 445:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
His ____ led him to accept the compromise that solved the problem quickly.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Her ____ in business meant she always prioritized results over rigid adherence to principles.