Initiative

initiative

noun i-ni-tsi-a-TEE-ve Less Common

Origin: from Latin initium, 'beginning'

Also means

drive

Usage Note

Initiative means both an organized campaign and personal drive; note the German ti is pronounced 'tsi'. The set phrase die Initiative ergreifen ('to take the initiative') is the idiomatic way to say you are taking the lead.

Examples

"Sie ergreift die Initiative."

Natural Translation

She takes the initiative.

Literal Translation

She seizes the initiative.

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