I. ə̇ˈnishə]d.iv, ]tiv sometimes -shēˌā] or -shēə] or -shtiv or -shtēv adjective
Etymology: initiate + -ive
: of or relating to initiation : serving to initiate : introductory , preliminary
II. noun
( -s )
1. : an introductory step or movement : an act designed to originate or set on foot (as a process or train of events)
a new Russian initiative must now be anticipated — Frank Gorrell
— often used in the phrase on one's own initiative
don't blame me, he acted on his own initiative
2. : energy or aptitude displayed in initiation especially of action that pioneers in some field : self-reliant enterprise
a man of great initiative
unable to control the product of his initiative , science — Norman Kelman
3.
a. : the right or power to introduce a new measure or course of action
the initiative in respect to revenue bills is in the House of Representatives
b. : a procedure or device which enables a specified number of voters by petition to propose a law and secure its submission to the electorate for approval — compare direct initiative , indirect initiative , referendum