initiative Hear it!

initiative definition

ini·tia·tive (i nis̸h′ə tiv, -ē ə tiv)

adjective

of, or having the nature of, initiation; introductory; initial

Etymology: ML initiativus

noun

  1. the action of taking the first step or move; responsibility for beginning or originating
  2. the characteristic of originating new ideas or methods; ability to think and act without being urged; enterprise
    1. the right of a legislature to introduce new legislation on some specified matter
    2. the right of a group of citizens to introduce a matter for legislation either to the legislature or directly to the voters
    3. the procedure by which such matters are introduced, usually by a petition signed by a specified percentage of the voters

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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