<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>an introductory act or step; leading action: to take the initiative in making friends.</li><li>readiness and ability in initiating action; enterprise: to lack initiative.</li><li>Synonyms: forcefulness, dynamism, leadership.</li><li>one's personal, responsible decision: to act on one's own initiative.</li><li>Government: a procedure by which a specified number of voters may propose a statute, constitutional amendment, or ordinance, and compel a popular vote on its adoption.</li><li>Compare referendum (def 1).</li><li>the general right or ability to present a new bill or measure, as in a legislature.</li></ul><p><strong>Adjective</strong></p><ul><li>of or relating to formal admission or acceptance into a club or other group; signifying an initiation: The secret society's initiative events are best left undescribed.</li><li>serving to set in motion or initiate; introductory; beginning: Initiative steps were taken to stop manufacture of the drug.</li></ul>