initiative

/i'niʃiətiv/
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initiative

The team launched a new initiative to clean up the local park.

Definition

  1. Noun:

    • The ability to assess and begin things independently; the power or opportunity to act before others do: "Initiative" refers to the capacity to take charge and start actions without needing to be told, or the advantage gained by acting first.
    • An act or strategy intended to resolve a problem or improve a situation; a fresh approach: "Initiative" can also mean a specific new plan or action taken to achieve a goal.
    • (Often "the initiative") The first step in a process; the initial action: This use refers to the opening move in a series of actions.

  2. Adjective:

    • Serving to initiate or begin; introductory: This less common adjectival form describes something that constitutes a first step or sets something in motion.
Examples of Usage

  • Noun:

    • She showed great initiative by organizing the community clean-up herself. (Here, "initiative" means the quality of taking independent action.)
    • The company launched a new green initiative to reduce plastic waste. (Here, "initiative" refers to a specific plan or project.)
    • By launching the product early, our team seized the initiative from our competitors. (Here, "the initiative" means the strategic advantage of acting first.)

  • Adjective:

    • The initiative phase of the project involves extensive research. (Here, "initiative" as an adjective describes the starting phase.)
Advanced Usage

  • "To take the initiative": To be the first to take action in a situation; to assume responsibility for starting something.

    • Don't wait for instructions; take the initiative and solve the problem.

  • "To have/lose the initiative": To possess or to forfeit the leading or controlling position in a situation, often used in business, politics, or military contexts.

    • After the successful campaign, our candidate has the initiative in the polls.
    • The scandal caused the government to lose the political initiative.

  • "On one's own initiative": Acting independently, without being asked or ordered.

    • He stayed late to finish the report on his own initiative.
Variants and Related Words

  • Initiate (verb): To cause something to begin.

    • She will initiate the discussion.

  • Initiation (noun): The action of beginning something, or a formal admission process.

    • The initiation of peace talks was a positive step.

  • Initiatory (adjective): Serving as an introduction or initial step; synonymous with the adjectival form of "initiative."

    • The meeting was purely initiatory.
Synonyms
  • Enterprise: Readiness to engage in new or bold ventures.
  • Drive: Energetic determination to get things started.
  • Leadership: The action of leading or taking the first step.
  • Proposal: A plan or suggestion put forward for consideration.
Related Phrases
  • Legislative initiative: A process that allows citizens to propose new laws by petition.
    • Switzerland is known for its system of direct democracy and legislative initiative.
Idioms
  • Seize the initiative: To take control of a situation by acting decisively before others can.
    • In the debate, she seized the initiative with a powerful opening statement.
initiative

The team launched a new initiative to clean up the local park.

Adjective
  1. serving to set in motion
    • the magazine's inaugural issue
    • the initiative phase in the negotiations
    • an initiatory step toward a treaty
    • his first (or maiden) speech in Congress
    • the liner's maiden voyage
Noun
  1. the first of a series of actions
  2. readiness to embark on bold new ventures

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