What is agenda? Pronunciation and usage in English

agenda means . Learn how to pronounce and use agenda through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of agenda

agendanoun

/əˈdʒendə//əˈdʒendə/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "agenda" in English. It's a tricky one because it's not always pronounced exactly as it looks! Here's a breakdown of the common pronunciations and how to get it right:

1. The Most Common American Pronunciation:

  • ** /ˈædʒən.də/ (AY-jen-duh)** – This is the pronunciation you'll hear most often in the United States.
    • "AY" – Like in "say" or "pay"
    • "jen" – Rhymes with “hen”
    • "duh" – Like the "duh" in "bud"

2. The Traditional (and Still Often Used) Pronunciation:

  • ** /ˈæɡ.ən.də/ (AH-jen-duh)** – This is the pronunciation you'd likely hear in British English, and it’s still perfectly acceptable.
    • "AH" – Like in "father" or "car"
    • "jen" – Rhymes with “hen”
    • "duh" – Like the "duh" in "bud"

Here's a helpful tip to help you remember:

Think of "agenda" as coming from the Italian word "agenda," which is pronounced roughly as /ˈa.dʒen.da/ (ah-JEN-dah). The English pronunciation evolved over time.

Resources to Listen:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you located? (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Australia, etc.) – This will help me determine which pronunciation is more likely to be appropriate in your context.

Usage and examples with the word agenda in English

Let's break down how to use the word "agenda" in English. It has a few different meanings and ways you can use it.

1. As a List of Things to Discuss (Most Common)

  • Meaning: This is the most frequent use. "Agenda" refers to a list of topics or items that will be covered during a meeting, event, or discussion. It’s a roadmap of what will happen.
  • Example Phrases:
    • "We need to finalize the agenda for the board meeting." (meaning: we need to decide what topics to discuss)
    • “Here's the agenda for tonight’s presentation.” (meaning: here’s the list of topics to be covered)
    • “I've prepared an agenda outlining the key priorities for the project.” (meaning: I’ve listed the important points)
  • Structure: An agenda typically includes:
    • Date and Time
    • Attendees
    • Topics for Discussion (with allotted time, if possible)
    • Desired Outcomes (what you want to achieve from each topic)

2. As a Plan or Purpose (Less Common, More Formal)

  • Meaning: "Agenda" can sometimes refer to a general plan or purpose for something – what you’re trying to achieve or what's driving an action. It’s less about a specific list and more about a direction.
  • Example Phrases:
    • “The government’s agenda is focused on economic reform.” (meaning: the government’s plan/goal is economic reform)
    • “Her agenda is to promote environmental sustainability.” (meaning: her purpose is to work towards sustainability)
    • “Let’s discuss the overall agenda for our marketing campaign.” (meaning: let’s talk about the main goals of the campaign)

3. (Informal) – A Set of Priorities or Goals

  • Meaning: More casually, "agenda" can refer to a person's priorities or goals, often with a slightly assertive or self-promoting tone. This usage is less common than the first two.
  • Example:
    • “He's always pushing his own agenda.” (meaning: he's always trying to get his own ideas and priorities through)

Key Differences & Synonyms

Feature Agenda Plan Purpose
Focus Specific topics for a meeting Overall steps Underlying aim
Formality More formal Neutral More formal
Example “The agenda included….” “The plan is…” “The purpose is…”

Synonyms (depending on the context):

  • For meetings: order of business, points to discuss, topics, items
  • For plans/goals: strategy, objective, aim, goal, mission

Resources for more examples and further learning:

To help me give you even more specific advice, could you tell me:

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "agenda"? (e.g., are you writing a meeting invitation, talking about a project, etc.?)

Synonyms for the word agenda

Practice with vocabulary agenda

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Please review the attached __________ for tomorrow's quarterly board meeting before you arrive.
  2. The opposition party's new policy proposal has a clear __________ to prioritize environmental protection and sustainable development.
  3. We must ensure that all critical tasks are included in the project's main __________ for the upcoming quarter.
  4. Could you please share your __________ for the week, especially regarding the client visits and internal reviews?

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Before the meeting, participants are expected to read the document outlining the topics and order of discussion. What is this document commonly called? a) Minutes b) Memorandum c) Agenda d) Proposal

  2. The CEO emphasized that the company's long-term __________ includes global expansion and technological innovation. a) Agenda b) Strategy c) Manifest d) Pretext

  3. During the negotiation, it became apparent that one party had a hidden __________ beyond the stated terms. a) Agenda b) Motive c) Argument d) Stipulation

  4. What refers to the ordered list of events or activities for a specific day or period? a) Checklist b) Schedule c) Itinerary d) Ledger

  5. Which of the following describes the main issues or points that a group needs to focus on and discuss? a) Diversions b) Reminders c) Priorities d) Topics

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The list of topics for discussion at the meeting was sent out yesterday. Rewrite (using "agenda"):

  2. Original: We need to establish our main goals for the upcoming conference. Rewrite (using "agenda" or related word forms):

  3. Original: What is your plan for completing these reports by the deadline? Rewrite (do NOT use "agenda"):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. agenda
  2. agenda
  3. objectives
  4. schedule

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Agenda
  2. a) Agenda, b) Strategy
  3. a) Agenda, b) Motive
  4. b) Schedule, c) Itinerary
  5. c) Priorities, d) Topics

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The meeting agenda was circulated yesterday.
  2. We need to set our agenda for the upcoming conference.
  3. What is your strategy for completing these reports by the deadline?

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