What is the Difference Between Pragmatic and Practical?

The difference between pragmatic and practical lies in their usage and focus. Here are the key distinctions:

• Pragmatic:
• Mainly refers to a way of thinking.
• Deals with things sensibly and realistically, focusing on practical rather than theoretical considerations.
• Often used in the context of solving problems or making decisions based on real-world situations.
• In practice, being pragmatic refers to the actual execution of a plan, following through on actions.
• Practical:
• Can refer to actions, persons, concepts, or objects.
• Relates to what is real rather than to what is possible or imagined, and is likely to succeed.
• Concerned with the actual doing or use of something rather than with theory and ideas.
• Involves having a well-thought-out, strategic plan, and being ready to execute it.

While both terms have similar meanings, they are not always interchangeable. For example, "pragmatic" cannot be used to describe a joke, while "practical" can be used to describe a solution. In some instances, being pragmatic can be seen as a component of being practical, as a well-thought-out plan requires sensible and realistic thinking. However, it is not necessary for every practical action to be pragmatic.

Comparative Table: Pragmatic vs Practical

Here is a table comparing the differences between pragmatic and practical:

While pragmatic and practical can be used interchangeably in some instances, they are not always synonyms. Pragmatic generally refers to a way of thinking or approaching problems, while practical refers to actions, objects, or concepts in the real world.