initiative

¹ini·tia·tive

adj \i-ˈni-shə-tiv also -shē-ə-tiv\

Definition of INITIATIVE

: of or relating to initiation : introductory, preliminary

Examples of INITIATIVE

1. Luther's daring initiative thoughts did indeed come from above, but he owed them to no man or age. —Junius B. Remensnyder, What the World Owes Luther, 1917
2. Many writers maintain that there is a rule of International Law forbidding the commencement of war without a declaration of war. But such rule, in fact, does not exist, for a great many wars take place without an initiative declaration of war. —Lassa Oppenheim, International Law, 1906

Origin of INITIATIVE

(see ¹initiate)

First Known Use: 1795