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initiative

 - 6 dictionary results

in⋅i⋅ti⋅a⋅tive

  [i-nish-ee-uh-tiv, i-nish-uh-]
Use initiative in a Sentence
–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.
3. one's personal, responsible decision: to act on one's own initiative.
4. Government.
a. 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. Compare referendum (def. 1).
b. the general right or ability to present a new bill or measure, as in a legislature.
–adjective
5. of or pertaining to initiation; serving to initiate: Initi-ative steps were taken to stop manufacture of the drug.
Origin:
1785–95; initiate + -ive

Related forms:
in⋅i⋅ti⋅a⋅tive⋅ly, adverb

Synonyms:
2. leadership, forcefulness, dynamism.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To initiative
in·i·tia·tive   (ĭ-nĭsh'ə-tĭv)   
n.  

  1. The power or ability to begin or to follow through energetically with a plan or task; enterprise and determination.

  2. A beginning or introductory step; an opening move: took the initiative in trying to solve the problem.

    1. The power or right to introduce a new legislative measure.

    2. The right and procedure by which citizens can propose a law by petition and ensure its submission to the electorate.

adj.  

  1. Of or relating to initiation.

  2. Used to initiate; initiatory.

in·i'tia·tive·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Slang Dictionary
initiative

  1. n.
    cocaine. (Drugs. See also incentive.) : Maybe I need some more of that initiative to get me going.
Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions by Richard A. Spears.Fourth Edition.
Copyright 2007. Published by McGraw Hill.
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Word Origin & History

initiative 
1793, "that which begins," also "power of initiating," from Fr. initiative (1567), from L. initiatus (see initiation). First attested in Eng. in writings of William Godwin. Phrase take the initiative first recorded 1856.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: ini·tia·tive
Pronunciation: i-'ni-sh&-tiv, -shE-&-tiv
Function: noun
1 : the esp. introductory series of steps taken to cause a desired result initiative in arranging a deposition —Andrews v. Bradshaw, 895 Pacific Reporter, Second Series 973 (1995)>
2 a : the right to initiate legislative action b : a procedure enabling a specified number of voters by petition to propose a law and secure its submission to the electorate or to the legislature for approval —see also REFERENDUM—on one's own initiative : at one's own discretion : independently of outside influence, suggestion, or control on its own initiative —Ghrist v. People, 897 Pacific Reporter, Second Series 809 (1995)>
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Idioms & Phrases

initiative

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

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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