initiative

[ih-nish-uh-tiv, ih-nish-ee-uh-]

noun

1. an introductory act or step; leading action.

   to take the initiative in making friends.

2. readiness and ability in initiating action; enterprise.

   to lack initiative.

   Synonyms: dynamism, forcefulness, leadership

3. one's personal, responsible decision.

   to act on one's own initiative.

4. Government.

   1. a procedure by which a specified number of voters may propose a statute, constitutional amendment, or ordinance, and compel a popular vote on its adoption.

   2. the general right or ability to present a new bill or measure, as in a legislature.

adjective

1. of or relating to formal admission or acceptance into a club or other group; signifying an initiation.

   The secret society's initiative events are best left undescribed.

2. serving to set in motion or initiate; introductory; beginning.

   Initiative steps were taken to stop manufacture of the drug.

initiative

/ -ˈnɪʃətɪv, ɪˈnɪʃɪətɪv /

noun

1. the first step or action of a matter; commencing move

   he took the initiative

   a peace initiative

2. the right or power to begin or initiate something

   he has the initiative

3. the ability or attitude required to begin or initiate something

4. government

   1. the right or power to introduce legislation, etc, in a legislative body

   2. the procedure by which citizens originate legislation, as in many American states and Switzerland

5. without being prompted

adjective

1. of or concerning initiation or serving to initiate; initiatory

Other Word Forms

• initiatively adverb
• self-initiative noun
• superinitiative noun
• uninitiative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of initiative¹

First recorded in 1785–95; initiate + -ive

Idioms and Phrases

see on one's own account (initiative); take the initiative.

Example Sentences

First, by the Kremlin's belief that, in Ukraine, Russian forces have the initiative on the battlefield.

From BBC

It said it had established and funded an organisation which promotes and supports computing science education, along with initiatives to promote teaching as a career choice for computing students.

From BBC

Elizabeth Wilson, 18, from Hull, is due to start a maths degree course at Newcastle University and believes ScotRail's initiative should be "standard across the whole of the country".

From BBC

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper will deliver a statement to Parliament later, as ministers try to regain the initiative on the issue.

From BBC

Critics describe the reshuffling as a political purge rather than a legitimate enforcement initiative.

From Salon

Related Words

• action 
• drive 
• leadership 
• push