Etymology:
Comes from the Latin word pragmaticus which means skilled in law or business. That word comes from the Greek word pragmatikos which comes from the word pragmatpragma which means deed and that word comes from the word prassein which means to do.
The change in the meaning of the word pragmatist over time can be easily explained. In the past in Latin the word meant to be skilled in law or business. Most successful lawyers and businessmen have pragmatic qualities and don't follow ideals alone because it restricts them and they need to think logically in every situation to win a case or make more money. Therefore the word pragmatic came to be used to describe people who think with common sense and logic rather than ideals.
Prefix: none
Root: pragma. Which is the Greek word for action.
Suffix: ist, meaning person who practices
Other forms of the word: Pragmatic, Pragmatism.
Sentences with the word Pragmatist from NY Times:
"A New Year's Eve wedding seemed like a starry-eyed idea for such a pragmatist"
"He is a pragmatist and a businessman, who has founded numerous companies, including CorrectHealth, a provider of correctional health care in Georgia."
"But can a pragmatist really effect the change we need."
"As he promotes himself as a problem-solving pragmatist, Mr. Romney can justifiably point to the landmark universal coverage law in Massachusetts that he, as governor, proposed in 2006."
Sentence Definition:
If you hear someone say Pragmatist it's usually when they are describing a person that doesn’t follow ideals but rather goes by common sense and intensive thought to make decisions.
Dictionary Definition:
A person who is guided more by practical considerations than by ideals.
Observation Sentence:
Often used in articles describing politicians and businessmen's decisions and life.
Multi Media Representation :
The black flag waved high above his head
Bodies beside him pumped full of lead
So he made deal with the angel of the dead
He never laughed but did not weep
For he felt little in this keep
His ideals paid a hefty cost
And his defeat in battle was the loss
A empty man he was now numb
A machine he had become
His ideals were gone for they no longer worked
So now in his mind only logic lurked
Now a pragmatist he was cursed