noun
initiative
i-NISH-uh-tiv/ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/
The taking of the first independent step toward an aim.
She shows initiative by stopping her walk to pick up litter.
Etymology
From the idea of a beginning, initiative came to mean the power to start something, then the disposition to take the lead. That shift connects mere starting with acting independently.
In context
who's really a team player, but can also work independently, as well. So it's really important that the person who fills this role is someone who has a lot of initiative
More examples
- He fixes the problem on his own initiative.
- By making the first offer, we seize the initiative.
- The school launches an initiative to reduce food waste.
Forms
initiative · initiatives
initiate verb — To begin an action or process.
Similar words
- enterprise
- Emphasizes energetic readiness to undertake difficult or ambitious projects.
- proactivity
- Emphasizes acting in advance rather than waiting for problems.