Initiativeness vs. Initiative — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 25, 2024
Initiativeness is incorrect; the right spelling is Initiative, meaning the ability to assess and start things independently.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Initiativeness or Initiative
How to spell Initiative?
Initiativeness
Incorrect Spelling
Initiative
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Remember the common suffix “-ive” which is often used in adjectives.
Note that it starts with “Initi” which resembles “Initial.”
Link it mentally to “active” to remember its proactive connotation.
Consider that "Initiative" relates to "Initiate," helping memory.
Associate with the phrase "take the initiative," which is commonly used.
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How Do You Spell Initiative Correctly?
Incorrect: Their initiativeness in solving problems was commendable.
Correct: Their initiative in solving problems was commendable.
Incorrect: Initiativeness is a quality that many employers look for.
Correct: Initiative is a quality that many employers look for.
Incorrect: You must show initiativeness to succeed in this project.
Correct: You must show initiative to succeed in this project.
Incorrect: Her initiativeness was recognized by the entire team.
Correct: Her initiative was recognized by the entire team.
Incorrect: A high level of initiativeness is required for this role.
Correct: A high level of initiative is required for this role.
Initiative Definitions
A plan or strategy designed to address a particular issue.
The government launched an initiative to reduce crime.
Initiative implies starting actions.
She took the initiative to solve the problem.
The capacity to use one’s insight.
Her initiative was crucial to the project’s success.
The right to initiate a legislative process.
The voters have the initiative.
The power or ability to begin or to follow through energetically with a plan or task; enterprise and determination.
A beginning or introductory step; an opening move
Took the initiative in trying to solve the problem.
The power or right to introduce a new legislative measure.
The right and procedure by which citizens can propose a law by petition and ensure its submission to the electorate.
Of or relating to initiation.
Used to initiate; initiatory.
Serving to initiate; inceptive; initiatory; introductory; preliminary.
In which voter initiatives can be brought to the ballot.
A beginning; a first move.
A new development; a fresh approach to something; a new way of dealing with a problem.
The ability to act first or on one's own.
(politics) An issue to be voted on, brought to the ballot by a sufficient number of signatures from among the voting public.
Direct initiative
An introductory step or movement; an act which originates or begins.
The undeveloped initiatives of good things to come.
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.
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.
A character trait manifested in a readiness and ability to initiate action; an enterprising spirit; a go-getting attitude; energy; drive; get-up-and-go.
In interactive activities, such as conversation or games, the right or opportunity to set the course of action; as, to have the initiative.
Readiness to embark on bold new ventures
The first of a series of actions;
He memorized all the important chess openings
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
Being the first step or action in a series.
The peace talks were an important initiative.
Initiative Meaning in a Sentence
He demonstrated great initiative by proposing a new process.
Her initiative to start a recycling program was successful.
Showing initiative is key in a leadership role.
Initiative is the first step towards achieving goals.
A person with initiative doesn't wait to be told what to do.
Initiative can turn challenges into opportunities.
His initiative to improve team communication improved overall efficiency.
Taking the initiative to learn a new skill can be rewarding.
Employees with initiative are valuable to any company.
Taking initiative often leads to new opportunities.
Volunteering for tasks shows initiative and eagerness.
Without initiative, many inventions would not exist.
Leaders often arise from those who take initiative.
She took the initiative to organize the event.
Taking initiative shows a willingness to accept responsibility.
Her initiative to help new employees was appreciated by everyone.
Initiative is often the difference between success and failure.
Teachers encourage students to take initiative in their learning.
Taking initiative in problem-solving demonstrates critical thinking skills.
Showing initiative can lead to career advancement.
Initiative Idioms & Phrases
To seize the initiative
To take control of a situation by acting first.
In the meeting, she seized the initiative and presented her ideas.
Take the initiative
To be the first to act or move forward with a plan.
He took the initiative to clean up the park.
On one's own initiative
Acting independently without being told to do so.
She organized the fundraiser on her own initiative.
Lack of initiative
A situation where someone is reluctant to take action or steps forward.
The project failed due to a lack of initiative from the team.
A burst of initiative
A sudden and energetic effort to do something without prompting.
With a burst of initiative, they started a community garden.
Initiative is rewarded
A principle that taking proactive steps or actions is often recognized and rewarded.
In our company, initiative is rewarded with promotions.
With initiative and determination
Using one's own motivation and perseverance to achieve a goal.
She completed the project with initiative and determination.
To show initiative in learning
Taking proactive steps to acquire new knowledge or skills.
He shows initiative in learning by attending workshops on his own.
An initiative taker
Someone who is known for beginning actions or tasks independently.
As an initiative taker, he's always ahead in identifying solutions.
Show some initiative
Encouragement to act independently and proactively.
When you see a problem, show some initiative and try to solve it.
Encouraging initiative in others
Motivating people to act independently and proactively.
As a leader, encouraging initiative in others is essential for team growth.
Taking initiative under pressure
Acting independently and proactively, even in stressful situations.
His ability to take initiative under pressure saved the project.
To put initiative into action
To implement a plan or idea through active efforts.
After brainstorming, it's time to put our initiative into action.
Initiative goes a long way
The idea that being proactive is beneficial and leads to positive outcomes.
In a startup environment, initiative goes a long way.
A lack of initiative can hinder progress
Failure to act independently can slow or prevent advancement.
The team's lack of initiative can hinder progress in this critical phase.
Drive and initiative
Having both the motivation and the willingness to take proactive steps.
Success in this role requires both drive and initiative.
To credit someone's initiative
To recognize and appreciate someone's proactive actions.
The manager credited her initiative in solving the client's issue.
Common Curiosities
Why is it called Initiative?
"Initiative" originates from the Latin "initiativus," meaning introductory, pertaining to starting or initiating something.
What is the verb form of Initiative?
"Initiate."
Which vowel is used before Initiative?
It can vary, e.g., “an” in "an initiative."
What is the root word of Initiative?
"Initium" (Latin), meaning beginning.
Which preposition is used with Initiative?
“On” as in "take the initiative on."
Which conjunction is used with Initiative?
No specific conjunction is universally used with "Initiative."
What is the pronunciation of Initiative?
/ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/
Which article is used with Initiative?
"An" or "the."
What is the singular form of Initiative?
"Initiative."
Is the Initiative term a metaphor?
Not inherently, but can be used metaphorically.
Is Initiative a negative or positive word?
Generally positive.
Is the word “Initiative” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
It can be used as a direct object.
What is a stressed syllable in Initiative?
The second syllable - "ni."
What is the plural form of Initiative?
"Initiatives."
Is Initiative a noun or adjective?
Both. It can be a noun ("take the initiative") or an adjective ("initiative steps").
Is Initiative a countable noun?
Yes.
How many syllables are in Initiative?
5 syllables.
What is the opposite of Initiative?
"Passivity."
Which determiner is used with Initiative?
Determiners like "the" or "an" can be used.
Is Initiative an adverb?
No.
Is Initiative an abstract noun?
Yes.
Is Initiative a vowel or consonant?
"Initiative" is a word, not a vowel or consonant.
Is the word Initiative a Gerund?
No, but “initiating” is the gerund form of the verb "initiate."
How do we divide Initiative into syllables?
in-i-ti-a-tive.
What part of speech is Initiative?
Noun or adjective.
How is Initiative used in a sentence?
Example: "She showed great initiative by organizing a charity event without being asked."
Is Initiative a collective noun?
No.
Is the word Initiative imperative?
No.
What is another term for Initiative?
"Drive."
What is the first form of Initiative?
It does not have a “first form” as it is not a verb, but "Initiate" is the verb form.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
