/ɪˈnɪʃətɪv ||; ɪˈnɪʃɪətɪv/noun1 [C] official action that is taken to solve a problem or improve a situation 为了解决问题或改善情势而作出的正式行动: a new government initiative to help people start small businesses 政府为协助人民开办小企业的新措施
2 [U] the ability to see and do what is necessary without waiting for sb to tell you 主动性；自发性: Don't keep asking me how to do it. Use your initiative. 不要老问我怎么做，你要发挥主观能动性。
3 the initiative [sing] the stronger position because you have done sth first; the advantage 有利的位置；主动权: The enemy forces have lost the initiative. 敌军丧失了主动权。
on your own initiative without being told by sb else what to do 主动地
take the initiative to be first to act to influence a situation 采取主动；发起:
Let's take the initiative and start organizing things now. 我们采取主动吧，现在就着手筹备工作。