initiative
UK/i'niʃiәtiv/US
NGSL 2kIELTSGREB2
Definitions
n.
The ability to act and make decisions on one's own.
主动性，进取心。
n.
A new plan or action to solve a problem or improve something.
新举措，倡议。
n.
The power or opportunity to act first and gain an advantage.
主动权。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedinitiatenot, opposite of
+
-iveto go, to walk
=initiative
initiate + -ive = the quality of one who initiates. Since initiating means setting things going, initiative is the drive to start things yourself (take the initiative) and, by extension, a fresh plan that gets something started (a government initiative).
Common Collocations
- 1.take the initiative主动出击
- 2.show initiative展示主动性
- 3.government initiative政府倡议
- 4.seize the initiative抢占主动
Example Sentences
- 1.
She showed great initiative in solving the problem alone.
- 2.
The city launched a new green energy initiative.
- 3.
Our team seized the initiative early in the game.