initiative Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun readiness to embark on bold new ventures
    enterprisingness; go-ahead; enterprise.
  2. noun the first of a series of actions
    opening move; first step; opening.
  3. adjective satellite serving to set in motion
    initiatory; inaugural; maiden; first.
    • the magazine's inaugural issue
    • the initiative phase in the negotiations
    • an initiatory step toward a treaty
    • his first (or maiden) speech in Congress
    • the liner's maiden voyage

WordNet

In*i"ti*a*tive adjective
Etymology
Cf. F. initiatif.
Definitions
  1. Serving to initiate; inceptive; initiatory; introductory; preliminary.
In*i"ti*a*tive noun
Etymology
Cf. F. initiative.
Definitions
  1. An introductory step or movement; an act which originates or begins.
    The undeveloped initiatives of good things to come. I. Taylor.
  2. The right or power to introduce a new measure or course of action, as in legislation; as, the initiative in respect to revenue bills is in the House of Representatives.

Webster 1913