Choose the most appropriate synonym for the underlined word:-
My boss adopted a pragmatic approach to solving the problem as the existing ones were not helping him find the solution.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → practical
Pragmatic means dealing with problems in a sensible, realistic way based on what works, not on theory. The boss turned to a pragmatic approach because the existing ones were not helping. Its synonym is practical.
Example: She took a pragmatic view and fixed the leak herself instead of waiting for the plumber.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) practical (answer) | concerned with actual use and results rather than ideas (both words describe a sensible, workable approach) | We need a practical solution to the parking problem. |
| (2) gullible | easily tricked or fooled (it describes a person, not a sensible approach) | The gullible tourist paid double for a fake souvenir. |
| (3) serious | thoughtful and not joking, or important (an approach can be serious without being realistic or workable) | He gave the matter serious thought. |
| (4) extravagant | excessive or wasteful (almost the opposite of a sensible, practical approach) | Buying a new car every year is extravagant. |
| Synonyms of pragmatic: practical, realistic, sensible, down-to-earth Antonyms of pragmatic: idealistic, impractical, unrealistic, theoretical Also asked in CUET (UG): pragmatic – 30-05-2026 Slot 2, 03-06-2025 Slot 2, 13-05-2025 Slot 1, 23-05-2023 Slot 2 gullible – 03-06-2025 Slot 2, 03-06-2025 Slot 1, 25-05-2023 Slot 1, 23-05-2023 Slot 2, 21-05-2023 Slot 1 |