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initiative

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noun British English pronunciation: initiative /ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/ 
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singularinitiative
pluralinitiatives
  1. 1
    [uncountable] the ability to decide in an independent way what to do and when to do it

    Mr Hills showed initiative and bravery when dealing with a dangerous situation.

    use your initiative:

    Employees are encouraged to use their initiative if faced with a problem.

    on your own initiative (=without other people telling you to do something):

    He developed the plan on his own initiative.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of initiative
  2. 2
    [countable] an important action that is intended to solve a problem

    a number of initiatives designed to address the problem of child poverty

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of initiative
  4. 4

    the initiative

     the opportunity to take action before other people do
    take the initiative:

    She would have to take the initiative in order to improve their relationship.

    lose/gain/seize the initiative:

    We have lost the initiative and allowed our opponents to dominate the discussion.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of initiative

This is the British English definition of initiative. View American English definition of initiative.

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