Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'pragmatism'

English Word: pragmatism

Key Russian Translations:

• прагматизм [prɐɡˈmatɨzm] - [Formal, Philosophical term; Used in academic, intellectual, or professional contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in philosophical, educational, and business discussions but not everyday conversation).

Difficulty: C1 (Advanced; Requires understanding of abstract concepts and philosophical terminology in Russian).

Pronunciation (Russian):

прагматизм: [prɐɡˈmatɨzm]

Note on прагматизм: The stress falls on the third syllable ("mat"), which is a common challenge for English speakers due to the softer Russian vowels. The "р" is rolled, and the "ы" sound is central and unrounded.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A philosophical theory emphasizing practical consequences and real-world applications over abstract ideas.

Translation(s) & Context:

• прагматизм - Used in formal discussions of philosophy, such as in academic papers or debates, to describe a problem-solving approach based on practicality.

Usage Examples:

• В философии прагматизм подчеркивает практические результаты идей, а не их теоретическую чистоту.

  In philosophy, pragmatism emphasizes the practical results of ideas rather than their theoretical purity.

• Его подход к бизнесу был чистым прагматизмом: он выбирал решения, которые работали, а не те, что звучали идеально.

  His approach to business was pure pragmatism: he chose solutions that worked, not those that sounded ideal.

• Прагматизм как направление мысли возник в США и повлиял на многие аспекты современной науки.

  Pragmatism as a school of thought emerged in the USA and influenced many aspects of modern science.

• В повседневной жизни прагматизм помогает принимать решения, основанные на реальности, а не на эмоциях.

  In everyday life, pragmatism helps in making decisions based on reality rather than emotions.

• Критики прагматизма утверждают, что он игнорирует моральные принципы в угоду эффективности.

  Critics of pragmatism argue that it ignores moral principles in favor of efficiency.

Meaning 2: A practical attitude or approach in everyday life, focusing on what works rather than ideals.

Translation(s) & Context:

• прагматизм - Applied in casual or professional settings to describe a no-nonsense, results-oriented mindset.

Usage Examples:

• Ее прагматизм в работе позволил компании преодолеть кризис быстро и эффективно.

  Her pragmatism at work allowed the company to overcome the crisis quickly and effectively.

• В политике прагматизм часто означает компромиссы для достижения стабильности.

  In politics, pragmatism often means making compromises to achieve stability.

• Родители учат детей прагматизму, показывая, как применять знания в реальной жизни.

  Parents teach children pragmatism by showing how to apply knowledge in real life.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Прагматизм" is a masculine noun in Russian (from the neuter form in English philosophy). It follows the standard declension pattern for third-declension nouns. Below is a table outlining its inflections:

Note: The plural form is less common and used when referring to multiple instances or types of pragmatism.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • практицизм (similar, but more focused on practical application without philosophical depth)
  • утилитаризм (overlaps in emphasizing utility, but can imply a more calculated approach)
• Antonyms:
  • идеализм (emphasizes ideals over practicality)
  • догматизм (rigid adherence to principles without flexibility)

Related Phrases:

• прагматический подход (pragmatic approach) - A method focused on practical outcomes in problem-solving.
• в духе прагматизма (in the spirit of pragmatism) - Referring to actions taken with a practical mindset, often in decision-making.
• прагматизм в политике (pragmatism in politics) - The application of practical strategies over ideological purity.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "прагматизм" directly corresponds to the English "pragmatism" in philosophical contexts, but it may carry a slightly more neutral or positive connotation in everyday use, emphasizing efficiency without the potential criticism implied in English. Be cautious with context: it's formal and best used in written or academic settings. When choosing between translations, opt for "прагматизм" for philosophical discussions and avoid it in casual conversations where simpler terms like "практичность" (practicality) might suffice. Grammatically, it requires proper declension based on its role in the sentence.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "прагматизм" interchangeably with "практичность" without considering nuance. For example, an English learner might say: "Я практичность в работе" (incorrect, as it should be "практичность" for general practicality, not "прагматизм").

  Correct: "Я применяю прагматизм в работе" (I apply pragmatism in my work). Explanation: "Прагматизм" is a specific philosophy, while "практичность" is more about being practical in daily life.

• Error: Forgetting declension, e.g., saying "в прагматизм" instead of "в прагматизме". Correct: "В прагматизме есть ценность" (There is value in pragmatism). Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case, so prepositional phrases require the prepositional case.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "прагматизм" is often associated with Western philosophical influences, particularly from American thinkers like William James. It contrasts with traditional Russian idealism in literature and philosophy (e.g., Dostoevsky's works), where moral and spiritual depth is prioritized. Understanding this helps English speakers appreciate how pragmatism is sometimes viewed as a "foreign" concept in Russian intellectual discourse, symbolizing modernity and efficiency.

Related Concepts:

• эмпиризм (empiricism)
• утилитаризм (utilitarianism)
• реализм (realism)