anti-pragmatic
|an-ti-prag-mat-ic|
🇺🇸
/ˌæn.ti.præɡˈmætɪk/
🇬🇧
/ˌæn.ti.præɡˈmæt.ɪk/
against practical approach
Etymology
'anti-pragmatic' is an English compound formed from the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti-' meaning 'against') and the adjective 'pragmatic' (from Greek 'pragmatikos' via Late Latin and French).
'pragmatic' comes from Greek 'pragmatikos' (relating to deeds or affairs), passed into Late Latin as 'pragmaticus', then into French as 'pragmatique' and finally into English as 'pragmatic'. The prefix 'anti-' was combined with English 'pragmatic' in modern English to form the compound 'anti-pragmatic'.
Originally, 'pragmatic' related to matters of fact or action; over time it came to mean 'practical' or 'focused on practical results.' 'Anti-pragmatic' accordingly developed the meaning 'against practical approaches,' emphasizing opposition to practicality in favor of principle or ideology.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a state, belief, or tendency of being opposed to pragmatic methods or solutions (label for the attitude; transformation: noun form 'anti-pragmatism').
There was a noticeable anti-pragmatic sentiment among some members of the committee.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 1
opposed to pragmatism or practical approaches; prioritizing principles, ideology, or theory even when it leads to impractical or ineffective results.
Their anti-pragmatic stance made it difficult to reach any compromise on the budget.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/16 00:13