Word
initiative
Phoneticsini·tia·tive
US/ˌɪˈnɪʃətɪv/
UK/ɪnˈɪʃiətˌɪv/
Definitions
01personal drive
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the ability to see what needs to be done and doing it without being told.
n. the power or opportunity to act or take charge before others do; personal agency and resourcefulness.
“She showed great initiative by fixing the problem before her boss even noticed it.”
“The manager praised the intern for taking the initiative to reorganise the filing system during the holiday lull.”
Usage
Often used with the verbs 'show' or 'take'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02a new plan
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Academic
n. a new plan or process started to achieve a goal or solve a problem.
n. an introductory act or step; a specific project or programme designed to address a particular issue.
“The government launched a new initiative to help young people find jobs.”
“The university's latest sustainability initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions by forty percent over the next decade.”
Usage
Commonly used in political and corporate contexts.
03voter proposal
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Law American English · Formal
n. a process where citizens can propose a new law by getting enough signatures.
n. a procedure by which a specified number of voters may propose a statute or constitutional amendment and compel a popular vote on its adoption.
“The citizens' initiative to ban plastic bags will be on the ballot this November.”
“In several western states, the initiative process allows the electorate to bypass the legislature and enact laws directly through popular vote.”
Usage
Typically used as a countable noun in political science contexts.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “initiative” in context.
Adjective
01. current initiative
“Our current initiative focuses on reducing plastic waste within the office.”
adj + noun
02. technological initiative
“The government launched a new technological initiative to improve internet access in rural areas.”
adj + noun
Real-World Examples
“The initiative, which will have a budget of €3.8 million , will allow consumers to purchase vouchers worth up to €400 per person for use at participating shops.” “Al-Burhan said the army was ready to engage with any serious peace initiative but would not accept what he called an ‘incomplete peace’.” “Gardaí said the initiative continues to have a positive impact on the reduction of property-related crime in Irish communities.” “Barnsley council under Labour brought in several initiatives, including hospital services in the town centre.” Etymology
From French initiative, from Medieval Latin *initiativus (“serving to initiate”), from Late Latin initiare (“to begin, to initiate”), from Latin initium (“beginning”), from ineo (“enter, begin”). By surface analysis, initiate + -ive.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Idioms
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/initiative