What is initiative? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of initiative in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of initiative

initiativenoun

bước đầu, sự khởi đầu

/ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/

Definition & pronunciation of <strong>initiative</strong>

Where does the word initiative come from?

The word "initiative" has its roots in Old French, where it was spelled "initiave" and meant "the act of beginning or starting something". This Old French term was derived from the Latin words "initium", meaning "beginning" or "origin", and "iativus", meaning "causing to begin or start". The Latin term "initium" was used to describe the starting point of a journey, a process, or an event. Over time, the French term "initiave" was adapted into Middle English as "initiative", retaining its meaning of "taking the first step" or "beginning something new". In modern English, the word "initiative" refers to the act of starting or proposing something, as well as the capacity to take charge and lead a project, policy, or endeavor.

Vocabulary summary initiative

typeadjective

meaningstart

exampleto take the initiative in something: something: take the lead in something, be the leader in something; initiate something

exampleto have the initiative

typenoun

meaningbeginning, start, initiation

exampleto take the initiative in something: something: take the lead in something, be the leader in something; initiate something

exampleto have the initiative

meaninginitiative, creative mind

meaning(military) initiative

exampleto hold the initiative

Example of vocabulary initiativenamespace

meaning

a new plan for dealing with a particular problem or for achieving a particular purpose

  • a United Nations peace initiative
  • Most policy initiatives come from the White House.
  • to launch an initiative
  • The money was intended to support initiatives in bilingual education.
  • new initiatives to improve animal welfare
meaning

the ability to decide and act on your own without waiting for somebody to tell you what to do

  • He said I was lazy and had no initiative.
  • You won't get much help. You'll have to use your initiative.
  • She needs to show more initiative if she wants to succeed.
  • Too much bureaucracy represses creativity and initiative.
  • She did it on her own initiative (= without anyone telling her to do it).
meaning

the power or opportunity to act and gain an advantage before other people do

  • to seize/regain the initiative
  • It was up to the US to take the initiative in repairing relations.
meaning

(in some states of the US) a process by which ordinary people can suggest a new law by signing a petition

  • a ballot initiative to establish a local minimum wage
  • The rights of referendum and initiative foster active participation by citizens.

Synonyms and related words for initiative

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