I. i-ˈni-shə-tiv also -shē-ə-tiv adjective
Date: 1795
: of or relating to initiation : introductory , preliminary
II. noun
Date: 1793
1. : an introductory step
took the initiative in attempting to settle the issue
2. : energy or aptitude displayed in initiation of action : enterprise
showed great initiative
3.
a. : the right to initiate legislative action
b. : a procedure enabling a specified number of voters by petition to propose a law and secure its submission to the electorate or to the legislature for approval — compare referendum 1
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- on one's own initiative