Originally a psychological term indicating an empowered, self-reliant individual, this has evolved through misuse into a neo-antonym of 'reactive', and is used as such to emphasise the preferability of one attitude or course of action over another. It connotes alertness, awareness and preparedness, and seeks to dispel any conceivable impression of incompetence.
'Proactive' is interesting in that it is perhaps the classic example of the unnecessary neologism. It serves as an antonym to 'reactive', yet 'reactive' is itself the antonym of 'active'.
Arguably, since 'proactive' is now perhaps more widely used than 'active' for the specific purpose covered by the newer word, 'proactive' must be recognised as a legitimate word. The cult of hatred that has understandably grown up around the word can only help it endure further.
'Proactive' is interesting in that it is perhaps the classic example of the unnecessary neologism. It serves as an antonym to 'reactive', yet 'reactive' is itself the antonym of 'active'.
Arguably, since 'proactive' is now perhaps more widely used than 'active' for the specific purpose covered by the newer word, 'proactive' must be recognised as a legitimate word. The cult of hatred that has understandably grown up around the word can only help it endure further.
One is 'active' as opposed to being 'passive' or 'reactive'. One is 'proactive' as opposed to 'speaking English'.
by Peter Gibney December 22, 2006
Get the proactive mug.Masturbating before a date with someone you find attractive to prevent both awkward erections at inopportune times, and to prolong any sexual activity that may occur.
"I'm about to go on a date with that hottie Chelsea" -man 1
"You better be proactively friendly" -man 2
"Good idea, I do have a few minutes to get ready" -man 1
"You better be proactively friendly" -man 2
"Good idea, I do have a few minutes to get ready" -man 1
by Chormin November 29, 2011
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One who goes beyond talking of the problem to courageously, innovatively, positively solution-ing the problem.
Proactvists are the 2020 version of activists as they create new systemic containers for things to thrive. Activists stir the shit, Proactivists move us beyond the blame and shame game that perpetuates the concentric, angry, non-listening, divisive circle that often shackles us in the mess that we are in, to allow for new ideas to take hold, ease-full onramps for easy self enroll. Support small businesses and benefit companies that are proactively addressing the world’s biggest challenges with joy-filled solutions as a Proactivist.
by jscult June 14, 2020
Get the Proactivist mug.a word smart people use to sound dumb, "proactive" supposes a superior degree of action and, perforce, an inferior inaction and can be likened to the attempt to qualify an absolute. a patent nonsense and specious construct deriving from the same font of blather from which insurance and real estate industry "professionals" drink freely, whence also comes;
"pricepoint", "impactful", "empowered" and "that said". an example of the fundamental paradox of the school of polysyllabic palaver which proves more is actually less.
"pricepoint", "impactful", "empowered" and "that said". an example of the fundamental paradox of the school of polysyllabic palaver which proves more is actually less.
i empowered my client when the pricepoint i suggested proved impactful to the sale of their home. that said, i was proactive.
by lexicali slim September 26, 2009
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by T April 25, 2003
Get the Proactive mug.Describes an action which is both provocative and proactive. Coined by online tech-gossip rag The Register on 10 September 2009.
Did you see the way Shelley was rubbing her tits up against your boyfriend on the dance floor? She's a right provactive bitch, isn't she?
by PixelBeavers September 10, 2009
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