Proactive Definition

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Considerations

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  Merriam-Webster defines proactive as "acting in anticipation of future problems, needs or changes." This means that a person prepares for what may be expected to happen.

Second Meaning

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  The other meaning of proactive refers to something that affects what will follow it. Princeton University defines it as "descriptive of any event or stimulus or process that has an effect on events or stimuli or processes that occur subsequently."

History

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  Merriam-Webster dates the first use of the word proactive to 1933. The Online Etymology Dictionary relates that its first use was in the field of psychology.

Etymology

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  According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, the roots of proactive--pro and active--each have their own etymology. "Pro" is Latin meaning "forward, before." "Active" is from the Latin "activus," from "actus," meaning "a doing."

Synonyms

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  Some synonyms of proactive include gung ho, eager, energetic, lively, passionate, ardent, zealous and take charge. Proactive antonyms include inactive, passive and retroactive.

Famous Quote

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  Stephen R. Covey once said, "If you're proactive, you don't have to wait for circumstances or other people to create perspective expanding experiences... ."