initiative
initiative Lexical Profile
initiative Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The ability to assess and initiate things independently, acting proactively before others do.
"She showed great initiative by reorganizing the inventory system without waiting to be asked."
An act, strategy, or program intended to resolve a difficulty or improve a situation; a fresh approach to something.
"The city council launched a new recycling initiative to reduce municipal waste."
The power or opportunity to act or take charge before others do, especially in a competitive situation.
"The visiting team seized the initiative early in the second half and scored two quick goals."
A political procedure by which a specified number of voters may propose a statute, constitutional amendment, or ordinance and compel a popular vote on its adoption.
"Citizens gathered enough signatures to place the school funding initiative on the November ballot."
• adjective
Serving to initiate, begin, or originate an action or process; introductory or preliminary.
"The committee approved the initiative steps required to establish the new research institute."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 18th century from French initiative, derived from Medieval Latin initiativus ('serving to initiate'), from Latin initiare ('to begin'), ultimately from inire ('to go into, enter upon').