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Persian Learner Posted 9 years ago
Grammar

Pragmatic= real?

Hi.

The impetus behind the development of these early plastics was generated by a number of factors-- immense technological progress in the domain of chemistry, coupled with wider cultural changes, and the pragmatic need to find acceptable substitutes for dwindling supplies of 'luxury' materials such as tortoiseshell and ivory.

What does the underlined word mean? Sensible/ realistic/real? I thought 'real' is the best synonym according to the context.
  

Top answer

Persian Learner I thought 'real' is was the best synonym according to the context. Not really. pragmatic is almost always just a fancier word for practical .

  • Persian Learner I thought 'real' is was the best synonym according to the context.
  • Not really.
  • pragmatic is almost always just a fancier word for practical .
  • It's whatever works as desired, whatever solves the problem, regardless whether it fits well into an established system or ideology.
  • If you have a badly leaking faucet, you can call a plumber and have him take it apart and put in new washers or whatever else is required, and then pay for his services, or you might be able to take a practical/pragmatic approach and stop the leak by wrapping the leaking part with tape.
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2 Answers
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Persian Learner I thought 'real' is was the best synonym according to the context.
Not really. pragmatic is almost always just a fancier word for practical. It's whatever works as desired, whatever solves the problem, regardless whether it fits well into an estab
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I am into your explanations. Emotion: rose

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