All 3 Uses of
pragmatic
in
In Cold Blood
- Dick's literalness, his pragmatic approach to every subject, was the primary reason Perry had been attracted to him, for it made Dick seem, compared to himself, so authentically tough, invulnerable, "totally masculine."
Chpt 1 *pragmatic = concerned with practical matters (as compared to concern with theory or beauty)
- Then, too, the severity of Dick's "wake-up" speech, the belligerence with which he proclaimed his theretofore concealed opinion of Perry's dreams and hopes-all this, perversity being what it is, appealed to Perry, hurt and shocked him but charmed him, almost revived his former faith in the tough, the "totally masculine," the pragmatic, the decisive Dick he'd once allowed to boss him.†
Chpt 2
- Dick was not the "hard rock" he'd once thought him: "pragmatic," "virile," "a real brass boy"; he'd proven himself to be "pretty weak and shallow," "a coward."†
Chpt 4
Definition:
-
(pragmatic) concerned with practical matters -- especially where quick results and/or practical experience triumph over theory