initiative
ih-NISH-uh-tiv
/ɪˈnɪʃ.ə.tɪv/
The ability or willingness to assess and initiate things independently; self-starting drive.
Implies taking action without being told or prompted by authority figures.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'initium' (beginning) from the verb 'inire' (to go into or enter upon). It passed into French as 'initiative' before English borrowed it in the late eighteenth century to describe taking the first step in a course of action.
Word relationships
- enterprise: 'Enterprise' emphasizes bold risk-taking and readiness for new undertakings, while 'initiative' emphasizes starting action independently.
- passivity: Accepting or reacting to what happens without taking active control or action.
Commonly confused with
- initial: Initial is an adjective meaning first or preliminary, whereas initiative is a noun meaning self-driven action or a fresh project.
Word family
- initiate (verb): To cause a process or action to begin.
- initiator (noun): A person or group that starts a project or movement.
Collocations
- take initiative
- show initiative
- community initiative
- strategic initiative
Idioms & expressions
- on one's own initiative
Example sentences
- "Showing true initiative, Sarah organized a weekend recycling program when she noticed waste in the school cafeteria." Student Leadership Context
- "The government launched a national literacy initiative aimed at providing free books to primary schools." Political/Organizational Citation
Memory hook
INITIative is the power to INITIate action yourself. Take the very first step yourself.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'initial' (an adjective meaning first or starting).
Fun facts
- In politics, a 'citizen initiative' is a legal process allowing voters to bypass their legislature and place proposed laws directly on the ballot.
Related words
Explore more words
proactive, enterprise, innovate, spearhead, innovation, take action
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