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.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
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Bobby is so proactive
by zowie123 February 4, 2010
Get the Proactive mug.by Proactive stoner November 27, 2018
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