initiative

American  

[ih-nish-uh-tiv, ih-nish-ee-uh-] / ɪˈnɪʃ ə tɪv, ɪˈnɪʃ i ə- /

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.

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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 British  

/ -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

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adjective

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

initiative Idioms  

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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of initiative

First recorded in 1785–95; initiate + -ive

Example Sentences

All that said, let’s take a closer look at the proposed initiative and its backers’ motivation.

From Los Angeles Times

"Now they must improve how they collect, analyse and use data to evaluate the initiatives under way to tackle the problem," she said.

From BBC

The Japanese conglomerate acquired UK-based Jacobson Group -- which has a portfolio of multiple footwear brands including Gola -- as part of its "initiative to build a lifestyle brand business platform", it said Wednesday in a statement.

From Barron's

“This matter comes before the Court on its own initiative,” Novak wrote, saying that the “binding Court order” that found her to be serving illegally is “not subject to being ignored.”

From Salon

Up to 200 guests could attend events, with proceeds going towards supporting the conservation and development of the house and estate, as well as education programmes and community initiatives.

From BBC

Related Words

• action
• drive
• leadership
• push