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.

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