Etymology Map
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Agenda

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a list of items to be discussed at a meeting; a hidden motive

Where does the word "agenda" come from? It comes from Latin agenda, adopted directly into English (1650s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
agenda
Latin · ancient
"things to be done"
neuter plural of the gerundive of 'agere', to do
2
Stage 2 of 2
agenda
English · 1650s
"a list of items to discuss"
first religious duties as opposed to beliefs; the meeting-list sense dates from the 1880s
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Agenda’s story begins in Latin: agenda meant “things to be done.” Neuter plural of the gerundive of 'agere', to do. It reached English by 1650s as agenda. First religious duties as opposed to beliefs; the meeting-list sense dates from the 1880s. Today, agenda means a list of items to be discussed at a meeting; a hidden motive.