'pragmatist' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'pragma' meaning 'deed, act', via Late Latin and French forms and the English adjective 'pragmatic', with the agent suffix '-ist' added in English.

'pragmatist' changed from Greek 'pragma' to Late Latin/Greek derivative 'pragmatikos' and French/English 'pragmatic', and the modern English noun 'pragmatist' formed by adding '-ist' to the adjective.

Initially related to 'deed' or 'action' (from Greek 'pragma'), the sense shifted to emphasize practical action and results; it came to mean a person who prioritizes practical consequences or a follower of the pragmatic philosophical approach.