pragmatism

/ˌprægməˈtɪzəm/

Other forms: pragmatisms

When you practice pragmatism, you accept conditions as they are and make practical decisions. Your head is not in the clouds.

If you urge your daydreaming friend to accept that life is not a fairy tale and the only way to succeed is through hard work, that's pragmatism. This is an approach based on how things are, not on how you wish they were. This also refers to a philosophical doctrine built on the idea that something can only be true if it works. If you're known for your pragmatism, then you're realistic, logical, and know how to get things done.

Definitions of pragmatism

1. noun

   (philosophy) the doctrine that practical consequences are the criteria of knowledge and meaning and value
   types:

   instrumentalism

   a system of pragmatic philosophy that considers idea to be instruments that should guide our actions and their value is measured by their success

   type of:

   philosophical doctrine, philosophical theory

   a doctrine accepted by adherents to a philosophy
2. noun

   the attribute of accepting the facts of life and favoring practicality and literal truth
   synonyms: realism

   type of:

   practicality

   concerned with actual use rather than theoretical possibilities