/ɪ'nɪʃətɪv; ɪ`nɪʃɪətɪv/
n
1 [C] action taken to resolve a difficulty 为解决困难而采取的行动
*It is hoped that the government's initiative will bring the strike to an end. 希望政府采取的行动可以结束罢工.
2 the initiative [sing] power or right to take action 采取行动的力量或权利; 主动权
*The initiative has passed to us.主动权已转到我方.
* Because of the general's indecisiveness,our armies have lost the initiative to the enemy. 由于将军未能当机立断, 我军已丧失对敌采取行动的主动权.
3 [U] (approv 褒) capacity to see what needs to be done and enterprise enough to do it, esp without others' help 主动性; 自发性; 积极性
*a man who lacks the initiative to be a leader 缺乏当领导人应具备的主动精神的人
* The child showed/displayed great initiative in going to fetch the police. 那孩子极为主动地把警察找来了.
* [attrib 作定语] an initiative test 自发的试验.
4 [C] power or right of ordinary citizens to make proposals for new laws (as in Switzerland) （普通公民提出新法规倡议的）创制权（如瑞士的）.
5 (idm 习语) on one's own i`nitiative without anyone else ordering one to do sth, or suggesting that one should do it 主动地; 自发地; 积极地
*In the absence of my commanding officer, I acted on my own initiative. 指挥官不在场, 我主动见机行事. take the initiative take the first step in an undertaking, esp one that encourages others to act 带头; 倡导; 发起
*It's up to this country to take the initiative in banning nuclear weapons. 这个国家应该主动提出禁止核武器.

n

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1【decisions】
2【plan】
3【control】
4【law】

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【DECISIONS】[U]
the ability to make decisions and take action without waiting for someone to tell you what to do
　I wish my son would show more initiative .
　Don't keep asking me for advice. Use your initiative .
　Lt. Carlos was not obeying orders. He acted on his own initiative (=he was not told what to do) .
【PLAN】[C]
an important new plan or process to achieve a particular aim or to solve a particular problem
　a government initiative to help exporters
　an education initiative
initiative for
　a new initiative for peace in the Middle East
【CONTROL】
the initiative
if you have or take the initiative, you are in a position to control a situation and decide what to do next
　Why don't you take the initiative and ask him out?
　Politicians need to seize the initiative from the terrorists.
　The government must not lose the initiative in the fight against terrorism.
【LAW】[C]law
a process by which ordinary citizens can officially suggest a change in the law by signing a petition