definitions

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

definitions

   /ɪˈnɪʃiətɪv, ɪˈnɪʃə-/ Show Spelled[ih-nish-ee-uh-tiv, ih-nish-uh-] Show IPA

–noun
1.an introductory act or step; leading action: to take the initiative in making friends.
2.readiness and ability in initiating action; enterprise: to lack initiative.
3.one's personal, responsible decision: to act on one's own initiative.
4.Government.
a.a procedure by which a specified number of voters may propose a statute, constitutional amendment, or ordinance, and compel a popular vote on its adoption. Compare referendum (def. 1).
b.the general right or ability to present a new bill or measure, as in a legislature.

–adjective
5.of or pertaining to initiation; serving to initiate: Initi-ative steps were taken to stop manufacture of the drug.
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Origin:
1785–95; initiate + -ive

—Related forms
in·i·ti·a·tive·ly, adverb
self-in·i·ti·a·tive, noun
su·per·in·i·ti·a·tive, noun
un·in·i·ti·a·tive, adjective


—Synonyms
2. leadership, forcefulness, dynamism.

in·i·tia·tive (ĭ-nĭsh'ə-tĭv)
n.
The power or ability to begin or to follow through energetically with a plan or task; enterprise and determination.

A beginning or introductory step; an opening move: took the initiative in trying to solve the problem.


The power or right to introduce a new legislative measure.

The right and procedure by which citizens can propose a law by petition and ensure its submission to the electorate.


adj.
Of or relating to initiation.

Used to initiate; initiatory.

in·i'tia·tive·ly adv.