Definitions for: Initiative

[n] the first of a series of actions; "he memorized all the important chess openings"
[n] readiness to embark on bold new ventures
[adj] serving to set in motion; "the magazine's inaugural issue"; "the initiative phase in the negotiations"; "an initiatory step toward a treaty"; "his first (or maiden) speech in Congress"; "the liner's maiden voyage"

Webster (1913) Definition: In*i"ti*a*tive, a. [Cf. F. initiatif.]
Serving to initiate; inceptive; initiatory; introductory;
preliminary.

In*i"ti*a*tive, n. [Cf. F. initiative.]
1. An introductory step or movement; an act which originates
or begins.

The undeveloped initiatives of good things to come.
--I. Taylor.

2. The right or power to introduce a new measure or course of
action, as in legislation; as, the initiative in respect
to revenue bills is in the House of Representatives.

In*i"ti*a*tive, n. (Political Science)
The right or procedure by which legislation may be introduced
or enacted directly by the people, as in the Swiss
Confederation and in many of the States of the United States;
-- chiefly used with the. The procedure of the initiative is
essentially as follows: Upon the filing of a petition signed
by a required number or percentage of qualified voters the
desired measure must be submitted to a popular vote, and upon
receiving the required majority (commonly a majority of those
voting on the measure submitted) it becomes a law. In some
States of the United States the initiative is only local; in
others it is state-wide and includes the making of
constitutional amendments.

Synonyms: enterprise, enterprisingness, first, first step, go-ahead, inaugural, initiatory, maiden, opening, opening, opening move

See Also: beginning, commencement, curtain raiser, drive, first base, peace initiative, start

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