Initiative
/ɪˈnɪʃ.ə.tɪv/noun
The ability or willingness to act independently and begin something without being prompted.
Did you know?The Latin root behind initiative, initiare, was used for admitting people into religious mysteries—so an “initiate” was literally someone entering hidden knowledge or sacred rites.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ey- / *ei-
“To go or set out; the ancient root behind many words for movement and entry.”
Classical Latin
Latin
īre
“To go.”
Classical Latin
Latin
inīre
“To go into, enter, or begin.”
Classical Latin
Latin
initium
“A beginning, commencement, or entrance.”
Late Latin
Latin
initiativus
“Relating to beginning or originating something.”
15th Century
Middle French
initiative
“The power or act of beginning.”
18th Century
English
initiative
“Independent action or the ability to take the first step.”