n.
1 first move or step, lead, opening move:
Hogan took the initiative by winning the first set.
2 enterprise, aggressiveness, drive, ambition, ambitiousness, resourcefulness, leadership, dynamism, energy, vigour, hustle, élan, Colloq get-up-and-go, pep, snap, zip, zing:
At least she had the initiative to get the company back on a profitable basis.
noun
1 new plan
ADJ.
fresh, new
fresh initiatives to find a peaceful end to the conflict
| pioneering
pioneering initiatives in bioengineering
| current, latest, recent | important, major | welcome | successful | practical | exciting | private | co-operative, joint | international, local, national, regional | government | business, diplomatic, economic, education/educational, environmental, marketing, peace, policy, political, research, training
QUANT.
range, series
VERB + INITIATIVE
undertake
The research initiative is being undertaken by a group of environmentalists.
| plan | develop | announce | introduce, launch, set up, start
The government has launched a new policy initiative.
| be/become involved in
Ten schools have been involved in the initiative.
| lead | approve | reject
The peace initiative was rejected out of hand.
| sponsor
a peace initiative sponsored by the Organization of African Unity
| endorse, support
The committee endorsed an initiative by the chairman to enter discussion about a possible merger.
| welcome
We welcome the government's initiative to help the homeless.
| praise | encourage
INITIATIVE + VERB
be aimed at sth, be designed to
a local initiative aimed at economic regeneration an initiative designed to promote collaborative research
| involve sth, relate to sth | founder
The initiative foundered because there was no market interest in redevelopment.
PREP.
~ against
a new initiative against car theft
| ~ by
the latest initiative by the UN Secretary General
| ~ for
an initiative for peace and human rights
| ~ on
the government's major new initiative on crime > Special page at BUSINESS
2 ability to decide/act independently
ADJ.
considerable, great, real | individual, personal, private
It is a very hierarchical company and there's little place for individual initiative.
| entrepreneurial
VERB + INITIATIVE
have
He had the initiative to ask what time the last train left.
| display, show | act/work on your own, use
He acted on his own initiative and wasn't following orders. Don't ask me what you should do all the time. Use your initiative!
| lack | encourage, promote | stifle
Raising taxes on small businesses will stifle initiative.
PREP.
on sb's ~
The project was set up on the initiative of a local landowner.
| ~ in
Some scientists show little initiative in applying their knowledge.
PHRASES
a lack of initiative, on your own initiative
In an unprecedented action, the army, on its own initiative, arrested seven civilians.
3 the initiative: opportunity to gain an advantage
VERB + INITIATIVE
have, hold
After their latest setback, the rebel forces no longer hold the initiative.
| gain, seize, take | regain
In the second half, Manchester United regained the initiative.
| lose
INITIATIVE + VERB
comes from sb/sth, lie with sb
The initiative to re-open negotiations came from Moscow.
PREP.
~ in
She took the initiative in asking the board to conduct an enquiry.
Random quote: You are important enough to ask and you are blessed enough to receive back.: Wayne Dyer
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