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Glite Dictionary
can-do

can-do

134 4.2
Being positive and willing to try difficult tasks
  • adjective
  • /ˈkænˌdu/
translation icon : proactivo
  • Like the original OSS, this would be a small, nimble, can-do organization.
  • a can-do attitude

Examples

  • The question is what the school and the family can do to alleviate this situation.

    Academic text (1992)

  • I think it is something we can do much better within the government area.

    Academic text (1993)

  • Students need to be aware of what they can do rather than what they cannot do.

    Academic text (2012)

  • There are certain things they can do to help young people like Matt.

    Academic text (1992)

  • Her can-do attitude helped the team overcome numerous challenges during the project.

  • With his can-do mindset, he approached every problem as an opportunity for growth.

  • The volunteers had a can-do spirit, which energized everyone around them to work harder.

Synonyms

willing and able
vscan-do
15 3.5

Being ready to do something and having what is needed to do it

shows a positive, proactive attitude toward tackling difficult tasks

Antonyms

negative
135 2.3

Saying no or showing that something is not true

defeatist
12 7.4

A person who expects failure and gives up instead of trying to solve problems

How Positive

enthusiastic
175 2.7
confident
715 2.5
can-do
134 4.2
willing
∞ 1.0
reluctant
247 3.5

Surface Forms

can-do positive

Morphology

can-do = can + do (transparent) = can + do

The adjective is a direct compound of 'can' + 'do' meaning 'able and willing to do', which a B1 learner can derive from the parts.

Etymology

The word can-do comes from two simple words, can ('able') and do ('to act'). So can-do means a positive 'I can do it' attitude and a willingness to tackle difficult tasks.