Practical vs. Pragmatic — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 30, 2023
"Practical" pertains to actual application or use, often in everyday situations, while "Pragmatic" relates to an approach focused on practical results or consequences.
Difference Between Practical and Pragmatic
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Practical and Pragmatic are both adjectives describing a focus on real-world application, but they are used in slightly different contexts. Something Practical is concerned with the actual application rather than with theory and speculation. For instance, a Practical solution directly addresses a problem. On the other hand, Pragmatic implies a focus on the results or consequences of actions. A Pragmatic individual bases decisions on the expected outcome rather than on idealism.
A Practical approach is grounded in reality and pertains to the tangible and feasible aspects of life. For instance, having a Practical knowledge means knowing how to perform certain tasks. In contrast, a Pragmatic approach is more about a mindset or philosophy that values practical results over theoretical or ethical considerations. Thus, a Pragmatic politician would focus on policies that have proven outcomes.
Both terms highlight the importance of real-world applications and results. However, Practical often leans towards the skills or methods that are directly applicable, while Pragmatic leans towards a philosophy or approach that prioritizes practical considerations.
A Practical person might be adept at tasks, solving problems based on their tangible aspects. A Pragmatic person, meanwhile, might make decisions by analyzing the potential outcomes and benefits, even if those decisions bypass conventional or ethical norms.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Pertaining to actual application or use
Approach focused on practical results/consequences
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Common Usage
Skills, methods, solutions
Mindset, philosophy, approach
Connotation
Tangible, feasible
Outcome-focused, results-oriented
Contextual Variance
Often pertains to everyday situations
Prioritizes practical considerations over ideals
Grammatical Usage
Often used as an adjective
Commonly used as an adjective
Compare with Definitions
Practical
Concerned with actual application.
The course provided practical training.
Pragmatic
Dealing with things in a way that gets results.
He has a pragmatic approach to politics.
Practical
Based on real-world conditions.
She gave some practical advice.
Pragmatic
Relating to the practical aspects of situations.
Her pragmatic view helps in decision-making.
Practical
Being likely to be effective.
It's a practical solution to our problem.
Pragmatic
Focused on practical outcomes.
The company adopted pragmatic strategies.
Practical
Relating to skills or activities.
He has practical knowledge in gardening.
Pragmatic
Based on experience rather than theory.
His pragmatic knowledge aids in business.
Practical
An examination or lesson in which theories and procedures learned are applied to the actual making or doing of something.
Pragmatic
Concerned with causes and effects.
She's pragmatic about the consequences of actions.
Practical
Usable in everyday situations.
The tool is practical for home repairs.
Pragmatic
Dealing or concerned with facts or actual occurrences; practical.
Practical
Of or concerned with the actual doing or use of something rather than with theory and ideas
There are two obvious practical applications of the research
Pragmatic
(Philosophy) Of or relating to pragmatism.
Practical
(of an idea, plan, or method) likely to succeed or be effective in real circumstances; feasible
Neither of these strategies are practical for smaller businesses
Pragmatic
(Linguistics) Of or relating to pragmatics.
Practical
So nearly the case that it can be regarded as so; virtual
For all practical purposes, she's his girlfriend
Pragmatic
Relating to or being the study of cause and effect in historical or political events with emphasis on the practical lessons to be learned from them.
Practical
Of, relating to, governed by, or acquired through practice or action, rather than theory or speculation
Gained practical experience of sailing as a deck hand.
Pragmatic
A pragmatic sanction.
Practical
Manifested in or involving practice
Practical applications of calculus.
Pragmatic
Practical, concerned with making decisions and actions that are useful in practice, not just theory.
The sturdy furniture in the student lounge was pragmatic, but unattractive.
Practical
Capable of or suitable to being used or put into effect; useful
Practical knowledge of Japanese. See Usage Note at practicable.
Pragmatic
Philosophical; dealing with causes, reasons, and effects, rather than with details and circumstances; said of literature.
Practical
Concerned with the production or operation of something useful
Woodworking is a practical art.
Pragmatic
Interfering in the affairs of others; officious; meddlesome.
Practical
Having or showing good judgment; sensible
If we're practical, we can do the job quickly.
Pragmatic
A man of business.
Practical
Being actually so in almost every respect; virtual
The snowstorm was a practical disaster.
Pragmatic
A busybody.
Practical
Relating to, or based on, practice or action rather than theory or hypothesis.
Jack didn't get an engineering degree, but has practical knowledge of metalworking.
Modern engineering applies science to practical problems.
Pragmatic
A public decree.
Practical
Being likely to be effective and applicable to a real situation; able to be put to use
Jack's knowledge has the practical benefit of giving us useful prototype parts.
Pragmatic
Of or pertaining to business or to affairs; of the nature of business; practical; material; businesslike in habit or manner.
The next day . . . I began to be very pragmatical.
We can not always be contemplative, diligent, or pragmatical, abroad; but have need of some delightful intermissions.
Low, pragmatical, earthly views of the gospel.
Practical
Of a person, having skills or knowledge that are practical
All in all, Jack's a very practical chap.
Pragmatic
Busy; specifically, busy in an objectionable way; officious; fussy and positive; meddlesome.
The fellow grew so pragmatical that he took upon him the government of my whole family.
Practical
Of a prop: having some degree of functionality, rather than being a mere imitation.
Pragmatic
Philosophical; dealing with causes, reasons, and effects, rather than with details and circumstances; - said of literature.
Practical
(film) Light fixtures used for set lighting and seen in the frame of a shot as part of the scenery.
Practical lighting can help sell the illusion that the film is a real situation.
Pragmatic
One skilled in affairs.
My attorney and solicitor too; a fine pragmatic.
Practical
(British) A part of an exam or series of exams in which the candidate has to demonstrate their practical ability
Pragmatic
A solemn public ordinance or decree.
A royal pragmatic was accordingly passed.
Practical
(theater) A prop that has some degree of functionality, rather than being a mere imitation.
Pragmatic
Concerned with practical matters;
A matter-of-fact (or pragmatic) approach to the problem
A matter-of-fact account of the trip
Practical
(film) A light fixture used for set lighting and seen in the frame of a shot as part of the scenery.
Pragmatic
Of or concerning the theory of pragmatism
Practical
Laboratory experiment, test or investigation
Pragmatic
Guided by practical experience and observation rather than theory;
A hardheaded appraisal of our position
A hard-nosed labor leader
Completely practical in his approach to business
Not ideology but pragmatic politics
Practical
Of or pertaining to practice or action.
Practical
Capable of being turned to use or account; useful, in distinction from ideal or theoretical; as, practical chemistry.
Practical
Evincing practice or skill; capable of applying knowledge to some useful end; as, a practical man; a practical mind.
Practical
Derived from practice; as, practical skill.
Practical
Concerned with actual use or practice;
He is a very practical person
The idea had no practical application
A practical knowledge of Japanese
Woodworking is a practical art
Practical
Guided by practical experience and observation rather than theory;
A hardheaded appraisal of our position
A hard-nosed labor leader
Completely practical in his approach to business
Not ideology but pragmatic politics
Practical
Being actually such in almost every respect;
A practical failure
The once elegant temple lay in virtual ruin
Practical
Having or put to a practical purpose or use;
Practical mathematics
Practical applications of calculus
Common Curiosities
How does a "Pragmatic" individual typically make decisions?
A "Pragmatic" individual bases decisions on expected outcomes and practical consequences, often prioritizing results over ideals.
Can "Practical" and "Pragmatic" be used interchangeably?
While they share similarities, they have nuanced differences and aren't always interchangeable.
What does "Practical" mainly refer to?
"Practical" primarily pertains to the actual application, feasibility, or real-world usage of something.
Can "Practical" also refer to a feasible solution?
Yes, a "Practical" solution is one that is feasible and applicable in a given situation.
When referring to a person, what does "Practical" suggest?
A "Practical" person is grounded, realistic, and focused on tangible tasks or solutions.
Can a person be "Practical" without being "Pragmatic"?
Yes, someone can have practical skills or knowledge without always basing decisions on outcomes or results.
Can an idea or solution be both "Practical" and "Pragmatic"?
Yes, if it's both directly applicable and oriented towards achieving practical results.
Is "Pragmatic" more about a mindset or an action?
"Pragmatic" leans more towards a results-oriented mindset or philosophy.
Is "Pragmatic" always devoid of emotions or idealism?
Not always. Being "Pragmatic" is about prioritizing practical outcomes, but it doesn't mean a complete disregard for emotions or ideals.
Does being "Pragmatic" mean compromising on principles?
Not necessarily. Being "Pragmatic" emphasizes results, but it doesn't inherently suggest compromising principles.
What's a simple way to remember the essence of "Pragmatic"?
Think of it as being focused on results and practical consequences of actions.
In which fields is the term "Pragmatic" commonly used?
It's frequently used in politics, business, and philosophy to describe a results-oriented approach.
How does "Practical" knowledge differ from theoretical knowledge?
"Practical" knowledge is based on hands-on experience and real-world application, whereas theoretical knowledge is based on concepts or theories.
How do "Practical" and "Pragmatic" relate to problem-solving?
"Practical" often refers to the tangible methods or steps to solve a problem, while "Pragmatic" pertains to an approach that prioritizes effective outcomes.
How is "Practical" commonly used in daily language?
It's often used to describe solutions, advice, skills, or items that are directly useful or applicable.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
