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can-do attitude

can-do attitude

4 3.7
A positive, confident way of dealing with tasks and problems
  • noun
  • /ˈkænˌduː ˈætɪˌtjuːd/
translation icon : actitud positiva
  • Funny, smart, friendly, with a can-do attitude, Martha was pretty much your ideal colleague in a show.

Examples

  • Yet her can-do attitude triggered and supported those results.

    Blog text (9)
  • Together, these bridges remind us that a robust, can-do attitude is essential to the learning process.

    Academic text (2013)
  • We have a positive can-do attitude.

  • It's a part of that American can-do attitude everyone loved you for.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • Not only will it help you prepare, but it will also aid in starting the day with a positive, "can-do" attitude.

    Blog text (2)
  • Anne would be that girl known around campus for her "can-do" attitude and stubbornness.

    Blog text (6)
  • For example, although resources at Gonzaga University are limited, one senior administrator asserted, "We have a can-do attitude."

    Academic text (2005)
  • Wei's ambition and "can-do" attitude enabled him to rapidly climb the ladder of official success until he was appointed mayor.

    Academic text (2014)
  • The United States' continued strength comes from its can-do attitude about fixing its economic problems and its confidence that sound economic fundamentals can ensure its enduring economic dominance.

    Academic text (2011)
  • At the office, image is crucial, and you need to convey a positive, can-do attitude.

Synonyms

positive attitude
vscan-do attitude
26 3.0

A way of thinking that is hopeful and looks for solutions

is more active and confident and ready to tackle tasks with enthusiasm

Antonyms

12 7.4

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

A way of thinking that expects bad things to happen

How Positive

enthusiasm
288 2.2
confidence
456 2.1
can-do attitude
4 3.7
willingness
194 2.8
reluctance
68 3.6

Surface Forms

Morphology

can-do + attitude

The compound 'can-do' clearly evokes ability ('can') plus action ('do'), so a learner who knows those words can reasonably infer a positive, action-oriented attitude. However, the adjective 'can-do' has become idiomatized with a specific nuance of confident enthusiasm and proactivity that may not be fully predictable from the parts alone, so the expression is only partially transparent.

Etymology

The noun can-do attitude comes from the image of someone saying 'I can do it' and stepping forward to solve a problem. So, can-do attitude means 'a positive, confident willingness to try'.