initiative
gb/ɪnˈɪʃɪtɪv/ us/ɪnˈɪʃɪtɪv/
B2
English
~ 1800
kezdeményezőkészség, kezdeményezés, törvénykezdeményezési jog, jogalkotási kezdeményezés, népi kezdeményezés
NOUN
B2
1
Usage pattern:
[someone] shows/takes initiative
She showed great initiative by organizing the meeting herself.
Nagy kezdeményezőkészséget mutatott azzal, hogy maga szervezte meg a megbeszélést.
Employers value workers who take initiative instead of waiting for instructions.
A munkaadók értékelik azokat a dolgozókat, akik kezdeményeznek, ahelyett hogy utasításokra várnának.
If you see a problem, use your initiative to fix it.
The project succeeded thanks to his initiative.
Lack of initiative can slow down progress in a team.
Learner examples
He took the initiative to help the new student.
Saját kezdeményezésére segített az új diáknak.
I like workers who show initiative.
Szeretem azokat a dolgozókat, akik kezdeményezőkészséget mutatnak.
She used her initiative to solve the problem.
We should take the initiative and start now.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'initiative' with 'initiation'; 'initiative' is about self-starting action, while 'initiation' is the act of beginning something formally.
Meaning
ability to act independently
Collocations
take initiative
|show initiative
|lack initiative
|demonstrate initiative
|encourage initiative
Synonyms
enterprise (Often used in business contexts; can also imply creativity and resourcefulness.)
|
drive (Informal; emphasizes strong motivation and energy.)
Antonyms
passivity (Describes not taking action or waiting for others to act.)
Themes
business
|daily life
|personal development
|work
|education
Definition
The ability to start doing something without waiting for someone to tell you.
The ability to assess and begin tasks or projects independently, without needing to be told what to do.
NOUN
B2
2
Usage pattern:
launch/start [an] initiative
The city launched a new initiative to reduce traffic congestion.
A város új kezdeményezést indított a forgalmi torlódások csökkentésére.
This health initiative aims to encourage more exercise among children.
Ennek az egészségügyi kezdeményezésnek az a célja, hogy több mozgásra ösztönözze a gyerekeket.
Several environmental initiatives are being funded this year.
The company introduced an initiative to improve workplace diversity.
Learner examples
The school started an initiative to plant trees.
Az iskola kezdeményezést indított, hogy fákat ültessenek.
The government made an initiative to help poor families.
A kormány kezdeményezést indított a szegény családok megsegítésére.
They began an initiative to clean the park.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'initiative' with 'incentive'; an incentive is a reward to encourage action, while an initiative is the action plan itself.
Meaning
new plan or program
Collocations
launch an initiative
|government initiative
|new initiative
|community initiative
Synonyms
program (More general term for an organized set of activities.)
|
campaign (Often refers to organized efforts for change or promotion, especially in politics or marketing.)
Antonyms
status quo (Maintaining current conditions instead of starting new actions.)
Themes
business
|government
|projects
|work
Definition
A new plan or action to reach a goal or solve a problem.
A new plan, program, or action intended to solve a problem or achieve a goal.
NOUN
C1
FORMAL
3
Several states allow citizens to place initiatives on the ballot.
Több államban lehetővé teszik, hogy a polgárok népi kezdeményezéseket vigyenek szavazásra.
The legislative initiative was blocked by the committee.
A bizottság megakadályozta a jogalkotási kezdeményezést.
Through a popular initiative, voters can propose amendments.
Learner examples
The people used an initiative to change the law.
Az emberek népi kezdeményezést indítottak a törvény megváltoztatására.
This country allows initiatives from its citizens.
Ez az ország lehetővé teszi az állampolgári kezdeményezéseket.
An initiative can be voted on by the public.
Meaning
right to propose laws
Collocations
citizen's initiative
|legislative initiative
Synonyms
proposal right (More descriptive phrase; not a fixed legal term.)
Antonyms
referendum (A public vote on a proposal rather than the right to propose it.)
Themes
government
|law
|politics
Definition
The right to suggest new laws or changes to laws.
The power or right of citizens or legislators to propose new laws or changes, often through a formal process.
Grammar
Dictionary form
initiative
IPA
GB/ɪnˈɪʃɪtɪv/
US/ɪnˈɪʃɪtɪv/
Syllables & stress
ini - ti - at - ive (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ti)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: initiative
- Plural: initiative, initiatives
Word family
Forms
initiatives
noun
Related words
initiation
noun B2
initiator
noun
Negative and opposite forms
uninitiated
adjective
Expressions
on one's own initiative
1/ˈɔn wˈʌnz ˈoʊn ɪnˈɪʃɪtɪv/
fixed phrase
formal
act by personal decision only
To do something because you decided to, without being told or asked.
Examples
- She went to speak with the manager on her own initiative.
- He applied for the course on his own initiative.
show initiative
1/ʃˈoʊ ɪnˈɪʃɪtɪv/
fixed phrase
demonstrate self-motivation
To act in a way that proves you can start things without help or orders.
Examples
- He showed initiative by finding a cheaper supplier.
- Students are encouraged to show initiative in their projects.
take the initiative
1/tˈeɪk ðə ɪnˈɪʃɪtɪv/
fixed phrase
act first without being told
To be the first person to do something, especially before anyone else acts.
Examples
- She took the initiative and called the client before her boss asked her to.
- If you see a problem, take the initiative and fix it.