noun

initiative

initiative, enterprise, new plan, lead

She has the initiative to solve problems.

She has the initiative to solve problems.

The government launched a new environmental initiative.

The government launched a new environmental initiative.

We must seize the initiative from our competitors.

We must seize the initiative from our competitors.

to show/have initiative to have the ability to act independently She has the initiative to solve problems.

an initiative to do sth. a new plan to achieve sth. It was a new initiative to reduce waste.

to take/seize the initiative to be the one to take action We must seize the initiative from our competitors.

Synonyms: enterprise, drive, proposal, plan; Antonyms: apathy, inaction

From Latin 'initiare' (to begin). The '-ive' suffix often indicates a quality or tendency. The core meaning is 'the quality of beginning things'.

Think of taking the 'initial' step yourself, without being told.

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