English vocabulary · C1
Proactive
/proʊˈæktɪv/ · adj.
Proactive describes acting before a problem starts. You plan early, not after trouble comes.
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Example sentences
- Lena made a proactive storm plan.
- His proactive check found a leak.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- pro — forward (from Latin)
- act — do (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- PREVENTIVE — made to stop harm (Stops Harm Early)
- PREPARED — ready for what comes (Ready Before Trouble)
- ENTERPRISING — ready to start work (Finds New Ways)
Words with the same root
act — do
- action — something you do
- active — busy and moving
- actor — a person who acts
Lesson notes
Proactive describes acting before a problem starts. You plan early, not after trouble comes.
Related: preventive, prepared, enterprising. Use proactive when you act before trouble.
Lena made a proactive storm plan. His proactive check found a leak.
From Latin. Pro- means forward. Act means do. Move forward and do something before trouble begins; that is proactive.