initiative
n.-
1 personal drive (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatethe ability to see what needs to be done and doing it without being told.
the power or opportunity to act or take charge before others do; personal agency and resourcefulness.
ExampleShe showed great initiative by fixing the problem before her boss even noticed it.
ExampleThe manager praised the intern for taking the initiative to reorganise the filing system during the holiday lull.
UsageOften used with the verbs 'show' or 'take'.
- passivity
- indifference
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2 a new plan (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Academica new plan or process started to achieve a goal or solve a problem.
an introductory act or step; a specific project or programme designed to address a particular issue.
ExampleThe government launched a new initiative to help young people find jobs.
ExampleThe university's latest sustainability initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions by forty percent over the next decade.
UsageCommonly used in political and corporate contexts.
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3 voter proposal (n.) C1 Advanced American English Formal Lawa process where citizens can propose a new law by getting enough signatures.
a procedure by which a specified number of voters may propose a statute or constitutional amendment and compel a popular vote on its adoption.
ExampleThe citizens' initiative to ban plastic bags will be on the ballot this November.
ExampleIn several western states, the initiative process allows the electorate to bypass the legislature and enact laws directly through popular vote.
UsageTypically used as a countable noun in political science contexts.
- referendum
- ballot measure
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.