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Actively vs Proactive - What's the difference?

actively | proactive |

As an adverb actively

is in an active manner.

As an adjective proactive is

acting in advance to deal with an expected change or difficulty.

actively

English

Adverb

(en adverb)
  • In an active manner.
  • * He was actively listening.
  • * She was actively working, not "sleeping on the job".
  • (grammar) In the active form; not passive.
    • a word used actively

    proactive

    English

    (wikipedia proactive)

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Acting in advance to deal with an expected change or difficulty
    • We can deal with each problem as it pops up, or we can take a proactive stance and try to prevent future problems.

    Usage notes

    Some consider proactive to be a buzzword, and it is associated with business-speak.The good grammar guide, by Richard Palmer, 2003, p. 157 Depending on use, alternatives include active, or “show initiative” instead of “be proactive ”.

    Synonyms

    * anticipatory * forward-looking

    Antonyms

    * reactive

    Derived terms

    * proactively * proactivity * proactiveness

    Related terms

    * proact * proactor

    References

    * The Word Detective, Issue of February 5, 2001 ----