Reading Theme:

Language:

Font Size:

📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Agenda: Definition, Usage & Key Differences Explained (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：meeting schedule (agenda)

agenda 🔊

/əˈdʒɛndə/

A list of things that people plan to discuss or do at a formal meeting.

meeting schedule 🔊

➕

/ˈmiːtɪŋ ˈʃɛdjuːl/

A structured list of topics or tasks planned for discussion or completion during a formal gathering.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'agenda' (things to be done), derived from 'agere' meaning to do or act.

💡 Mnemonic

A-GEN-DA: A General List of Duties and Actions to remember its purpose.

📖 Example

Before the meeting started, the chairperson circulated the agenda so everyone knew which topics would be covered. 🔊 At the start of the meeting, the chairperson distributed the agenda to inform all attendees about the discussion topics.

🔗 Collocations

meeting agenda – the list of topics designated for a formal meeting

set the agenda – to establish the order of topics for discussion

agenda item – a specific point or topic included on the agenda

🔄 Synonyms

schedule (n.) – a plan that lists the times and order of events or activities

program (n.) – a list of planned activities or items for an event

timetable (n.) – a schedule showing the timing of planned events

🚫 Antonyms

disorganization (n.) – a state lacking order or systematic planning

📖 Cultural Story

Agenda originates from Latin, meaning 'things to be done'. It entered English in the 17th century, initially used in religious contexts for liturgical lists, and later evolved to denote formal meeting schedules and personal plans in modern usage.

Meaning 2：underlying plan (agenda)

agenda 🔊

/əˈdʒɛndə/

The underlying intentions or motives behind someone's actions; a personal plan of things to achieve.

Agenda as a personal plan shown by a smartphone displaying a colorful to-do list app.

underlying plan 🔊

➕

/ˌʌndərˈlaɪɪŋ ˈplæn/

The hidden or primary intentions and motives that drive a person's actions, often reflecting a personal strategy to achieve specific objectives.

📁 Category：Social Roles 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

Her main agenda for the summer holiday was to finish reading three novels and learn how to bake a cake. 🔊 Her primary personal goal during the summer break was to complete three books and acquire baking skills.

🔗 Collocations

hidden agenda – a secret motive or plan not openly disclosed

personal agenda – an individual's own set of plans or interests

political agenda – the objectives and policies pursued by a political group

🔄 Synonyms

motive (n.) – a reason or impulse that prompts action

intention (n.) – a planned aim or purpose behind an action

objective (n.) – a specific goal or target to be achieved

🚫 Antonyms

transparency (n.) – openness and clarity in intentions and actions