Antonyms – Choose the word that is OPPOSITE in meaning to the highlighted word. Sentence: The leader was pragmatic in his approach to the problem facing the country. Target word: pragmatic

Introduction / Context:
Vocabulary items like pragmatic and idealistic are frequently tested as antonym pairs because they represent contrasting mindsets toward decision making. Pragmatic describes focusing on what works in practice, while idealistic emphasizes principles, ideals, or perfection even when practicality is uncertain. The sentence frames leadership style, so understanding this semantic contrast is essential.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Sentence context: leadership approach to a national problem.
• Target word: pragmatic.
• Task: select the opposite in meaning among four choices.

Concept / Approach:
Pragmatic means practical, results oriented, and concerned with workable solutions. An antonym will indicate emphasis on ideals over feasibility. Idealistic commonly contrasts with pragmatic in political, managerial, and ethical discussions.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Map core sense: pragmatic = practical, matter of fact.2) Scan choices for conceptual opposite: idealistic aligns as a direct contrast.3) Check distractors: indefinite, vague, and optimistic do not encode the ideals versus practicality axis.4) Conclude that idealistic is the most precise antonym here.

Verification / Alternative check:
Paraphrase: If the leader were not pragmatic, one might describe him as guided by ideals despite constraints, that is, idealistic. Substituting each option into the sentence confirms only idealistic yields a natural opposite characterization.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• indefinite: means not clearly defined; it does not oppose practical.
• vague: unclear or imprecise; not the antonymic counterpart of pragmatic.
• optimistic: hopeful outlook; orthogonal to practicality versus idealism.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes pick optimistic because leaders with practical plans can be hopeful. However, optimism concerns outlook, not the practical versus ideal focus. Another pitfall is equating pragmatic with precise; precision is different from practicality.

Final Answer:
idealistic