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V2 Vocabulary Building Dictionary


proactive

adjective

Definition: characterized by taking initiative to control a situation by acting, rather than reacting to an event or occurrence

Synonyms: active, anticipatory, assertive

Antonyms: reactive, retroactive, passive

Tips: If you break down the word proactive, it's easy to understand the word's meaning. Pro is a Latin prefix that means "forward." When you couple pro with active, proactive means you are being "active about the future." The related word retroactive refers to something that happens as a reaction to an earlier event.

Usage Examples:

Our company has taken several proactive measures to make sure that we stay ahead of the competition in sales. (active, anticipatory)

He wrote a defensive letter as a proactive measure in anticipation of the accusations that would be brought against him. (anticipatory, assertive)

Jeannie has been very proactive in her career and always seems to be a step ahead of the game. (active, assertive)

If you want to get ahead in life, you need to be proactive; you can't just sit on the sidelines and hope that things work out. (active, assertive)


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