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initiative Definition

ini·tia·tive (i nis̸h′ə tiv, -ē ə tiv)

adjective

of, or having the nature of, initiation; introductory; initial

Etymology: ML initiativus

noun

  1. the action of taking the first step or move; responsibility for beginning or originating
  2. the characteristic of originating new ideas or methods; ability to think and act without being urged; enterprise
    1. the right of a legislature to introduce new legislation on some specified matter
    2. the right of a group of citizens to introduce a matter for legislation either to the legislature or directly to the voters
    3. the procedure by which such matters are introduced, usually by a petition signed by a specified percentage of the voters

initiative Synonyms

initiative

n.

  1. Ability to start things

    enterprise, drive, energy, inventiveness; see ambition 1, force 3.

  2. The starting of things

    action, lead, first step; see action 1, leadership 1.

initiative Law Definition

n

An electoral process available in some states in which citizens vote on proposed legislation.
initiative Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • launch: President Bush launched the international initiative in Krakow, Poland, in May 2003.
  • aim: King's is involved in a variety of community initiatives aimed at making higher education available to all.
  • welcome: Group warmly welcomed the initiative in involving the public in this planning application.
  • implement: For Trowler the actions taken by academics will shape the reality of policy initiatives implemented by management.
  • announce: The Health and Safety Executive ( HSE ) has announced a national initiative to promote safe use of ladders.
  • fundrais: Wyevale Garden Centers aim to raise over £ 60,000 for Breast Cancer Care through a variety of fundraising initiatives.

Preposition: in

  • conjunction: The pioneering work of the Healthy Cities initiative in conjunction with the World Health Organization.

Adjective modifier

  • joint: To attend community meetings and examine the scope for joint agency initiatives 16.
  • national: A new national initiative, it is aimed at encouraging parents to spend just a few minutes a day reading aloud to their children.
  • major: In the United States, the major reform initiatives of the last decade have focussed on teacher accountability for student outcomes.
  • new: The scheme is a new initiative from national energy charity NEA.
  • exciting: Step into Sport is an exciting initiative, which encourages more young people to become involved in sport in their local communities.
  • collaborative: From the start the project was established as a collaborative initiative within each cluster.

Preposition: with

  • supervision: You should be a natural organizer who is enthusiastic and dynamic and be capable of working with on your own initiative with minimum supervision.

Noun used with modifier

  • finance: The second phase, known as Compass, is the procurement of a managed service through a private finance initiative contract.
  • government: In Europe research accounts for between 2-4 % of GDP, a figure large enough to warrant government policy initiatives.
  • fundraising: Colgate matches contributions made by its employees ' fundraising initiatives.
  • recycling: The project visits households in socially deprived areas ensuring they have an equal opportunity to participate in recycling initiatives.
  • marketing: Broadcasting marketing initiatives has formerly driven the 10-year development of training at the CAI.
  • prevention: Methodological issues raise by the evaluation of crime prevention initiatives will also be assessed.