agenda
agenda
Pronunciation
agenda (əˈʤendə)
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
ə (schwa): a neutral vowel sound, like the "uh" in "but"
ˈ (stress marker): indicates primary stress on the first syllable
ʤ (voiced palatal affricate): similar to the "j" sound in "jump"
e (short e): like the "e" in "bed"
n (alveolar nasal): the "n" sound
d (alveolar plosive): the "d" sound
ə (schwa): again, the neutral vowel sound
Word Form Variations
The word "agenda" has some interesting quirks regarding its form variations:
Singular: agenda (most common usage)
Plural: agendas
Technically singular: While "agenda" is the most common usage, it actually originates from the Latin plural of "agendum" (meaning "something to be done"). Over time, "agenda" became accepted as a singular noun in English.
There are no verb conjugations or other grammatical variations for "agenda" itself.
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Noun:
Formal Definition: A planned list of topics or items to be considered at a meeting, conference, or other event. (Synonyms: schedule, docket, program, itinerary; Antonyms: none)
Informal Definition: A set of goals or priorities that someone or something has. (Synonyms: plan, objective, aim, purpose; Antonyms: none)
There are no verb, adjective, or adverb forms of "agenda"
Examples of Use
Books:
Formal: "The board meeting agenda included a review of the quarterly financial report and a discussion on the upcoming marketing campaign." (Fictional business meeting in a novel)
Newspapers:
Informal: "The environmental group is pushing a green agenda that focuses on renewable energy and sustainable practices." (News article about an advocacy group)
Online Publications:
Formal: "A well-organised online meeting agenda helps keep everyone focused and on track." (Blog post on productivity tips)
Entertainment Mediums:
Informal (TV show): "On today's episode of the cooking competition show, the chefs have a secret agenda to sabotage each other's dishes!" (Adding a layer of intrigue)
Informal (Video game): "The player needs to complete various objectives listed on the quest agenda to advance in the storyline." (Providing structure and goals)
General Public Discourse:
Formal: "The town council held a public meeting to discuss the agenda for the upcoming park renovation project." (Informing citizens about planned actions)
Informal: "Some people suspect the politician has a hidden agenda that they're not revealing to the public." (Expressing scepticism about someone's motives)
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Agenda
"The secret of your success is determined by your daily agenda." - John C. Maxwell (Motivational speaker)
"Hypocrisy is a detriment to progress. There's always a hidden agenda." - Alistair MacLeod (Novelist)
"If you don't have a seat at the table, you're probably on the menu. And so it is important that we have women in the United States Senate - strong women, women who are not there to be quiet, but to be vocal and to advance an agenda that is important to women." - Eleanor Roosevelt (Former First Lady)
"Vietnam was a lie but at least there was a political agenda. The domino theory. Iraq is about nothing but George Bush's ego laced with imperialist ambitions. And helped by your government." - Howard Zinn (Historian and social activist)
"The longer the meeting, the less is accomplished. Accomplish more, talk less. The meeting consumes time because unsolicited problems come out without warning, before conducting a meeting set an agenda and concentrate only on it to reach a point of mutual agreement." - Rakesh Mahto (Businessman)
"A goal without a plan is just a wish." - Larry Druckenmiller (Investor) (This quote implies the importance of an agenda, though it doesn't use the word directly)
"The brain is a wonderful organ; it starts working the moment you get up in the morning and doesn't stop until you go to sleep at night. - Robert Frost (Poet) (Similar to #6, highlights the need for a plan/agenda)
"Failing to plan is planning to fail." - Alan Lakein (Time management expert) (Another indirect reference to the importance of an agenda)
"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." - Benjamin Franklin (Founding Father) (Similar to #8)
"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." - Albert Einstein (Scientist) (While not directly related to agendas, curiosity and questioning can help shape and inform them)
Etymology
The word "agenda" comes from an ancient Roman shopping list! Kind of.
In Latin, there was a word "agere" which meant "to do" or "to act."
From "agere," they created another word "agenda" which literally meant "things to be done." It was basically a plural noun, like a list of groceries.
English borrowed this word "agenda" sometime in the early 1600s. Interestingly, even though it was originally plural, English started treating it as a singular noun referring to a single list of things to be considered.
So, while the original meaning was a to-do list, today "agenda" can also refer to someone's goals or priorities, like a personal "to-do list" for life.
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Agenda
Common Phrases:
Set the agenda: This means to decide what topics will be discussed and the order of discussion. (e.g., "The chairperson set the agenda for the meeting.")
On the agenda: This means that something is planned to be discussed or addressed. (e.g., "Employee morale is high on the agenda for next week's meeting.")
Move on to the next item on the agenda: This is used during a meeting to keep things on track and ensure all planned topics are covered.
Hidden agenda: This refers to a goal or motive that someone is not revealing. (e.g., "Some people suspect the politician has a hidden agenda.")
Idioms:
Have an agenda: This means someone has a specific goal or purpose in mind, which may not be immediately obvious. (e.g., "I don't trust him; I think he has an agenda.")
Push one's agenda: This means to try to persuade others to adopt your goals or priorities. (e.g., "The activist group is pushing their environmental agenda on social media.")
A full agenda: This means someone has a lot planned and is very busy. (e.g., "The CEO has a full agenda today with meetings and presentations.")
Posts Related to Agenda
Source Information
Definition of agenda from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
