'pragmatize' originates from a modern English formation from the adjective 'pragmatic' + the verb-forming suffix '-ize' (ultimately from French/Latin), where 'pragmatic' derives from Greek 'pragmatikos' (from 'pragma') meaning 'concerned with action or deed'.

'pragmatize' changed from the English adjective 'pragmatic' (modern English) which came via Latin 'pragmaticus' and Late Latin uses from the Greek word 'πράγμα' ('pragma', meaning 'deed, thing'). The modern verb was formed by attaching '-ize' to 'pragmatic'.

Initially the root 'pragma' meant 'deed' or 'thing'; over time the sense shifted to 'relating to action or practical matters' and eventually gave rise to the verb meaning 'to make practical' or 'to adopt a practical approach'.