Agenda vs. Agendum

Attribute	Agenda	Agendum
Definition	A list or plan of things to be done or considered	An item on an agenda
Plural form	Agendas	Agenda
Usage	Generally used to refer to a list of items to be discussed or accomplished	Specifically refers to an individual item on an agenda
Origin	Latin "agendum" meaning "things to be done"	Latin "agenda" meaning "things to be done"

Definition

Agenda and agendum are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have slightly different meanings. An agenda is a list of items to be discussed or acted upon at a meeting, while an agendum refers to a single item on that list. In other words, an agenda is the overall plan or schedule for a meeting, while an agendum is a specific task or topic that needs to be addressed.

Usage

Agenda is the more commonly used term in modern English, and it is often used to refer to both the list of items and the individual items themselves. For example, someone might say, "What's on the agenda for today's meeting?" when they really mean, "What are the agendums for today's meeting?" Agendum, on the other hand, is a less common term and is typically only used in formal or technical contexts.

Plural Forms

One key difference between agenda and agendum is their plural forms. Agenda is a Latin word that is already plural in form, so the singular and plural forms are the same. Agendum, on the other hand, is a Latin gerund that is singular in form, and the plural form is agenda. This can lead to confusion, as some people mistakenly use the term "agendas" when they really mean "agendums."

Function

Agenda is a versatile term that can be used in a variety of contexts beyond just meetings. For example, someone might talk about their personal agenda for the day, meaning the list of tasks they need to accomplish. Agendum, on the other hand, is more limited in its usage and is primarily used in the context of formal meetings or decision-making processes.

Etymology

Both agenda and agendum have Latin roots, with agenda coming from the word "agendum," meaning "things to be done," and agendum coming from the word "agere," meaning "to do." The use of these terms in English dates back to the 17th century, when Latin was still a common language of scholarship and diplomacy.

Formality

Agenda is a more informal term that is commonly used in everyday speech and writing. It is often used in a casual or conversational tone, such as when making plans with friends or discussing upcoming events. Agendum, on the other hand, is a more formal term that is typically used in professional or academic settings where precision and clarity are important.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while agenda and agendum are related terms that both refer to lists of items to be addressed, they have distinct differences in terms of usage, plural forms, function, etymology, formality, and more. Understanding these differences can help you use these terms correctly and effectively in your writing and communication.