agency
AY-jun-see
/ˈeɪ.dʒən.si/
The capacity, condition, or state of acting or exerting power to produce a specific effect.
Focuses on the active capability of an individual to initiate change and exert influence in the world.
The story behind the word. From Medieval Latin 'agentia', derived from Latin 'agere' (to drive or do). It evolved from describing mechanical force into describing active human decision-making.
Word relationships
- capability: Capability is potential skill, whereas agency is active force put into motion.
- passivity: Passivity involves being acted upon without taking initiative.
Commonly confused with
- agenda: An agenda is a plan of items to discuss, while agency is the active power to act.
Word family
- agent (noun): One who acts or performs an action.
- agentic (adjective): Exhibiting or possessing agency.
Collocations
- moral agency
- sense of agency
- human agency
Example sentences
- "Sociologists debate the balance between individual agency and social structures in determining human behavior." Sociological theory
Memory hook
An AGENT acts; AGENCY is the power that lets them act. Power to act.
When not to use
Do not confuse philosophical agency (the ability to act) with a corporate agency (like a travel agency).
Fun facts
- In neuroscience, the 'sense of agency' is the brain's internal signal confirming that your mind caused your body to move.
Related words
Explore more words
empowerment, leverage, capability, empower, efficacy, influence
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