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initiative

Noun

IPA /ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/

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Meaning in plain English

The ability to notice what needs doing and take useful action without waiting for someone else to tell you.

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Pronunciation

initiative/ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/

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He showed initiative by organising a clean-up of our shared garden.
The intern used her initiative to improve the confusing filing system.

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He showed ________ by organising a clean-up of our shared garden.

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initiative — The ability to notice what needs doing and take useful action without waiting for someone else to tell you.

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The ability to notice what needs doing and take useful action without waiting for someone else to tell you.

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Word origin

Borrowed from French, ultimately from Latin initiare, related to initium, meaning beginning.

Did you know?

On your own initiative means you act without being told to do so.

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