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Proactive - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Proactive means taking action to prepare for or prevent problems before they happen. It describes someone who plans ahead and acts in advance rather than reacting to situations.

proactive

/proʊˈæktɪv/ /prəʊˈæktɪv/

Definition:

Taking action to control a situation rather than just responding after it happens.

Synonyms:

forward-thinking, anticipatory, preemptive, dynamic

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

reactive, passive, inactive

Common Collocations:

proactive approach, proactive measures, proactive stance, proactive management

Derivatives:

proactively, proactiveness

Usage Tips:

Use "proactive" to describe someone who plans ahead and takes initiative rather than waiting for problems to arise.

Common Phrases:

stay proactive, be proactive about something, take a proactive role

Etymology:

From Latin "pro-" (before) + "actus" (acted), meaning acting in advance of future needs or changes.

Examples:

  • 1. She is always proactive in solving problems before they escalate.
  • 2. A proactive attitude helps you stay ahead in your career.
  • 3. The company took proactive steps to prevent data breaches.
  • 4. Teachers encourage students to be more proactive in their learning.

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