Agentivity meaning

Agentivity refers to the ability of a person or thing to exert control and influence over their surroundings.


Agentivity definitions

Word backwards ytivitnega
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "agentivity" is a noun.
Syllabic division a-gen-tiv-i-ty
Plural The plural of the word "agentivity" is "agentivities".
Total letters 10
Vogais (3) a,e,i
Consonants (5) g,n,t,v,y

Understanding Agentivity

Agentivity refers to the capacity that an individual or entity has to act intentionally or exert control over a situation or outcome. This concept is often used in linguistics, philosophy, and psychology to describe the degree of autonomy and intentionality that different actors possess in various contexts.

Types of Agentivity

There are two main types of agentivity: volitional and non-volitional. Volitional agentivity is characterized by intentional actions taken by an individual or entity based on their own will or desires. Non-volitional agentivity, on the other hand, refers to actions that are driven by external forces or circumstances beyond the control of the actor.

The Role of Agentivity in Language

In linguistics, the concept of agentivity plays a crucial role in determining the grammatical structure of sentences. Languages often encode the agentive role of a subject through various morphological and syntactic markers, indicating whether the subject is the doer of the action or the recipient of it. This distinction is particularly important in languages that have a strict agent-patient alignment.

Agentivity in Psychology

In psychology, agentivity is often linked to the sense of agency, which is the subjective feeling of being in control of one's actions and their outcomes. Individuals with a high sense of agency are more likely to take initiative, set goals, and actively engage with their environment. This concept is central to theories of motivation, self-efficacy, and goal-directed behavior.

Implications of Agentivity

Understanding agentivity can have far-reaching implications in various fields, including education, therapy, and social policy. By recognizing the role of agency in shaping behavior and decision-making processes, professionals can design interventions and strategies that empower individuals to take control of their lives and achieve their goals. Ultimately, fostering a sense of agency and autonomy can lead to greater well-being and resilience in both individuals and communities.


Agentivity Examples

  1. The agentivity of the robot was evident as it efficiently completed its tasks.
  2. The detective's agentivity in solving the case impressed everyone in the precinct.
  3. The athlete's agentivity on the field led his team to victory.
  4. The teacher encouraged her students to take on more agentivity in their learning process.
  5. The CEO's strong sense of agentivity drove the company towards success.
  6. The artist's agentivity shone through in every brushstroke of the painting.
  7. The leader's agentivity in making tough decisions was crucial for the team's survival.
  8. The employee's lack of agentivity in completing tasks led to dissatisfaction from the manager.
  9. The author's agentivity in creating unique characters brought the story to life.
  10. The entrepreneur's agentivity in pursuing new ventures resulted in rapid growth for the business.


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  • Updated 26/06/2024 - 13:15:06