Initiative Definition

ĭ-nĭshə-tĭv
initiatives
noun
initiatives
The characteristic of originating new ideas or methods; ability to think and act without being urged; enterprise.
Webster's New World
The action of taking the first step or making the first move; responsibility for beginning or originating.
Webster's New World
The right of a legislature to introduce new legislation on some specified matter.
Webster's New World
The right of a group of citizens to introduce a matter for legislation either to the legislature or directly to the voters.
Webster's New World
The procedure by which such matters are introduced, usually by a petition signed by a specified percentage of the voters.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
adjective
Of, or having the nature of, initiation; introductory; initial.
Webster's New World
Used to initiate; initiatory.
American Heritage

In which voter initiatives can be brought to the ballot.

Wiktionary
Synonyms:
idiom
on (one's) own initiative
  • Without prompting or direction from others; on one's own.
American Heritage

Other Word Forms of Initiative

Noun

Singular:
initiative
Plural:
initiatives

Idioms, Phrasal Verbs Related to Initiative

  • on (one's) own initiative

Origin of Initiative

  • From French initiative, from Medieval Latin *initiativus (“serving to initiate”), from Late Latin initiare (“to begin, Latin initiate”), from Latin initium (“beginning”), from ineo (“enter, begin”).

    From Wiktionary

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