initiative
noun
[ ɪˈnɪʃətɪv ]
• the ability to assess and initiate things independently.
• "use your initiative, imagination, and common sense"
Similar:
enterprise,
inventiveness,
resourcefulness,
capability,
imagination,
imaginativeness,
ingenuity,
originality,
creativity,
drive,
dynamism,
ambition,
ambitiousness,
motivation,
spirit,
verve,
dash,
energy,
vitality,
vigour,
leadership,
vision,
get-up-and-go,
zing,
push,
pep,
zip,
punch,
pizzazz,
Opposite:
unimaginativeness,
• the power or opportunity to act or take charge before others do.
• "anti-hunting groups have seized the initiative in the dispute"
Similar:
advantage,
upper hand,
edge,
lead,
whip hand,
trump card,
first step,
first move,
first blow,
opening move,
opening gambit,
gambit,
beginning,
start,
commencement,
• 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:
plan,
scheme,
strategy,
stratagem,
measure,
technique,
proposal,
step,
action,
act,
manoeuvre,
gambit,
approach,
tack,
tactic,
démarche,
• (especially in Switzerland and some US states) the right of citizens outside the legislature to originate legislation.
Origin:
late 18th century: from French, from Latin initiare, from initium ‘beginning’.
