agenda
uh-JEN-duh
/əˈdʒɛndə/
A list of items to be discussed at a meeting.
An agenda provides structure and focus to a meeting, ensuring all necessary topics are covered efficiently.
The story behind the word. Our word 'agenda' comes directly from Latin, where it literally means 'things to be done.' It's the neuter plural of `agendum`, which itself is the gerundive of the verb `agere`, meaning 'to do' or 'to drive.' So, when you look at an agenda, you're essentially looking at a list of tasks or topics that are 'waiting to be acted upon' or 'driven forward.'
Word relationships
- program: More general, can refer to events over a longer period, not just a single meeting.
- schedule: Focuses more on timings and sequence rather than topics.
- docket: Often used in legal or official contexts for a list of cases or matters.
Commonly confused with
- minutes: An agenda lists what will be discussed; minutes record what was discussed and decided.
Word family
- agendum (noun): a single item on an agenda (less common, plural 'agenda')
Collocations
- meeting agenda
- set an agenda
- circulate an agenda
- follow the agenda
- agenda item
Idioms & expressions
- hidden agenda (a secret motive or plan)
Example sentences
- "The `agenda` for today's board meeting includes a review of the Q3 financials and a discussion on the new marketing strategy." Before the quarterly review, the team circulated the agenda to all participants.
- "Without a clear `agenda`, meetings often lose focus and run over time." A well-structured meeting always begins with a clear agenda.
Memory hook
Imagine an 'Agent' with a list of 'A-Genda' items, all things he's 'A-Gonna' do. A-Gonna-Do list
When not to use
Do not use 'agenda' to refer to a personal, hidden motive; for that, 'hidden agenda' or 'ulterior motive' is more appropriate.
Fun facts
- While 'agenda' is technically a plural form from Latin, it is almost always treated as a singular noun in English (e.g., 'the agenda is long'). The singular form 'agendum' is rarely used.
- The root `agere` also gives us words like 'agent,' 'act,' and 'navigate'.
Related words
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.