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   initiative

   /ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/

   noun

   • 1. the ability to assess and initiate things independently: "use your initiative, imagination, and common sense" Similar enterpriseinventivenessresourcefulnesscapabilityimaginationimaginativenessingenuityoriginalitycreativitydrivedynamismambitionambitiousnessmotivationspiritvervedashenergyvitalityvigourleadershipvisioninformal:get-up-and-gozingpushpepzippunchpizzazzOpposite unimaginativeness
   • 2. the power or opportunity to act or take charge before others do: "anti-hunting groups have seized the initiative in the dispute" Similar advantageupper handedgeleadwhip handtrump cardfirst stepfirst movefirst blowopening moveopening gambitgambitbeginningstartcommencement
   • 3. an act or strategy intended to resolve a difficulty or improve a situation; a fresh approach to something: "a new initiative against car crime" Similar planschemestrategystratagemmeasuretechniqueproposalstepactionactmanoeuvregambitapproachtacktacticdémarche
   • ▪ a proposal made by one nation to another in an attempt to improve relations: "a Middle East peace initiative"
   • 4. (especially in Switzerland and some US states) the right of citizens outside the legislature to originate legislation.

   Word Origin late 18th century: from French, from Latin initiare, from initium ‘beginning’.

   Scrabble Points: 13

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