Agenda Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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agenda

[əˈdʒɛndə ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

meeting

A list or program of things to be done or considered.

Synonyms

itinerary, list, plan, schedule.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
agenda	Used when you have a set of goals or items to discuss, typically in a meeting or formal setting. The meeting agenda includes a discussion on budget cuts. Please review the agenda before our conference call.
schedule	A timeline or timetable for planned events, often used in professional or academic settings. The train schedule has been updated recently. Let's check the class schedule for next semester.
itinerary	Refers to a planned route or journey, often used when discussing travel plans. Our travel itinerary includes a visit to the Eiffel Tower. I have shared my itinerary with the travel agency.
plan	A detailed proposal or strategy outlining steps to achieve a specific goal or activity. We need a plan to complete the project on time. What's the plan for the weekend?
list	A collection of items, names, or tasks written or printed, used in various contexts for organization. I need to make a grocery list before going to the store. The guest list for the party is getting long.

Examples of usage

The agenda for the meeting includes discussing the budget.
She always prepares a detailed agenda before the conference.
The company's agenda for the week was packed with important tasks.
We need to set the agenda for the upcoming project.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

politics

The underlying intentions or motives of a particular person or group.

Synonyms

goals, intentions, motives, objectives.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
agenda	This term is often used in formal settings such as meetings, conferences, or events. It refers to a list of items or topics to be discussed or acted upon. The project manager distributed the meeting agenda to all team members. The conference agenda included keynote speakers and panel discussions.
motives	Often employed to discuss reasons behind actions or behaviors, sometimes with a connotation of underlying or hidden reasons. This term can carry a negative connotation when questioning someone's underlying reasons. The detective was trying to understand the suspect's motives. People questioned his motives for joining the charity organization.
intentions	Used to describe plans or decisions someone has made consciously, often focusing more on the internal decision-making process. He expressed his intentions to travel abroad next year. Her intentions were clear when she decided to volunteer at the animal shelter.
goals	Generally used in personal or professional settings to describe desired results or achievements over a period of time. Her goal is to become a successful entrepreneur. The company's goals for this quarter include increasing sales by 15%.
objectives	Used in a business or project management context to define specific, measurable milestones or outcomes that need to be achieved. The company's objectives for the next fiscal year are ambitious but achievable. Completing the software update on time is one of the project's main objectives.

Examples of usage

The politician's agenda became clear after the controversial decision.
They accused the organization of having a hidden agenda.
It was obvious that the lobbyist had a specific agenda to push.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

journalism

A bias or slant in the presentation of information, especially in mass media.

Synonyms

bias, perspective, propaganda, slant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
agenda	It is often used in professional or formal settings to refer to a list of items to be discussed or acted upon, especially in meetings or events. The meeting agenda includes budget discussions, project updates, and team-building activities
bias	This word has a negative connotation and is used to describe a tendency to favor one side over another, which can affect fairness and objectivity. The journalist's bias was evident in the article, as they only presented one side of the story
slant	Slant can have a negative connotation and often refers to a particular point of view or bias in reporting or writing that subtly influences the audience. The article had a noticeable slant towards the company's interests, neglecting the concerns of the local community
propaganda	This word carries a negative connotation and refers to biased or misleading information used to promote a political cause or point of view. The government's propaganda campaign aimed to convince the public of the benefits of the new policy
perspective	Used to refer to a particular attitude or way of viewing something, often implying that it is one of many possible viewpoints. From an environmental perspective, renewable energy sources are essential for sustainable development

Examples of usage

The newspaper has been accused of having a political agenda.
The media outlet's agenda was evident in its coverage of the event.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Context

In politics, agendas often reflect priority issues, guiding lawmakers on what to address.
Social gatherings have informal agendas, such as what games to play or food to eat, helping everyone have fun.
The concept of a hidden agenda implies there may be secret motives behind someone's actions – a term popular in media and discussions.

Psychology

People tend to feel more organized and less stressed when they follow an agenda, as planning helps reduce anxiety.
Having a concrete agenda can improve group effectiveness, promoting clearer communication during meetings.
Research indicates that visualization of tasks on an agenda can enhance motivation and focus.

Business Practices

In corporate settings, agendas are crucial for efficient meetings, ensuring that all important topics are covered within the time limit.
Agendas can also promote accountability by assigning roles or action items to team members.
They often include time limits for each topic to keep discussions moving and productive.

Literature

Agendas in narrative contexts can suggest character motivations and reveal underlying themes of a story.
Authors often use metaphorical agendas to explore how personal desires clash with societal expectations.
In classic literature, agendas drive conflict and resolution, as characters pursue their own objectives.

Origin of 'agenda'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from Latin 'agendum,' meaning 'that which is to be done.'
It was first used in English in the late 19th century, transforming from a noun into a common item for organizing tasks.
Originally, the term indicated a personal list but expanded to include formal meeting plans.

The word 'agenda' originated from Latin, where 'agenda' literally means 'things to be done'. It was first used in the mid-19th century in English to refer to a list of items to be discussed at a meeting. Over time, the term expanded to encompass broader meanings related to hidden motives or biases. Today, 'agenda' is commonly used in various contexts, from business meetings to political discussions.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,010 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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5007 engaging
5008 developmental
5009 onset
5010 agenda
5011 reinforced
5012 contemplated
5013 motivation
...