I. pragˈmad.]ik, praig-, -mat], ]ēk noun
( -s )
Etymology: in sense 1, from Late Latin pragmatica ( sanctio ), from Latin pragmatica (feminine of pragmaticus, adjective) + sanctio decree; in sense 2, from Latin pragmaticus, from pragmaticus, adjective; in sense 3, from pragmatic (II)
1. : pragmatic sanction
2. obsolete : one skilled in affairs or business
3. : an officiously busy person : meddler , busybody
II. (ˈ) ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷\ adjective
Etymology: Latin pragmaticus skilled in law or business, from Greek pragmatikos, from pragmat-, pragma deed, affair (from prassein, prattein to pass through, experience, practice) + -ikos -ic — more at practical
1. : of or relating to the affairs of a community or state — compare pragmatic sanction
2. : active in affairs : busy ; often : officious , meddling
3. : stiff in one's opinion : conceited , opinionated , dogmatic
4. : practical , matter-of-fact
5. : dealing with events in such a manner as to show their interconnection
6.
a. Kantianism : prescribing the means necessary to the attainment of happiness
b. : of or relating to philosophic pragmatism ; especially : of or relating to the philosophic pragmatism of Peirce, James, and Dewey