initiative initiative /ˌɪˈnɪʃjətɪv/

adjective

1. Serving to set in motion  ( initiative , initiatory , maiden , first , inaugural )
   serving to set in motion
    The magazine's inaugural issue
   the magazine's inaugural issue
    The initiative phase in the negotiations
   the initiative phase in the negotiations
    An initiatory step toward a treaty
   an initiatory step toward a treaty
    His first (or maiden) speech in Congress
   his first (or maiden) speech in Congress
    The liner's maiden voyage
   the liner's maiden voyage
   

noun

1. () Readiness to embark on bold new ventures  ( enterprise , enterprisingness , go-ahead , initiative )
   readiness to embark on bold new ventures
     She took the initiative to organize a charity event for a good cause.
   She took the initiative to organize a charity event for a good cause.
   
2. () The first of a series of actions  ( opening , opening move , initiative , first step )
   the first of a series of actions
     Taking the first step towards your goal is often the hardest.
   Taking the first step towards your goal is often the hardest.