Action is the process of doing something, especially to achieve a goal or deal with a situation. It can also refer to exciting events in stories, movies, or real life.
From Latin 'actio', meaning 'a doing, driving, or performing', from 'agere' (to do). It shares the same root as 'act' and 'agent'.
Action is what turns ideas into consequences. That’s why in grammar the 'action word' is the verb—without it, a sentence just sits there like a car with the engine off.
In many cultures, action-oriented traits (decisiveness, assertiveness) have been stereotypically coded as masculine, while women were expected to be more passive. This influenced hiring, leadership evaluations, and portrayals of heroes and protagonists as predominantly male.
Use “action” and “taking action” as gender-neutral, and avoid implying that decisiveness or leadership is more natural or appropriate for one gender.
Women activists, organizers, and leaders have driven major social and political movements, challenging the idea that public action is a male domain.
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