initiative
n
1 [C] action taken to resolve a difficulty 為解決困難而采取的行動
It is hoped that the government's initiative will bring the strike to an end. 希望政府采取的行動可以結束罷工.
2 the initiative [sing]
power or right to take action 采取行動的力量或權利; 主動權
The initiative has passed to us.主動權已轉到我方.
Because of the general's indecisiveness,our armies have lost the initiative to the enemy. 由於將軍未能當機立斷, 我軍已喪失對敵采取行動的主動權.
3 [U] (approv 褒) capacity to see what needs to be done and enterprise enough to do it, esp without others' help 主動性; 自發性; 積極性
a man who lacks the initiative to be a leader 缺乏當領導人應具備的主動精神的人
The child showed/displayed great initiative in going to fetch the police. 那孩子極為主動地把警察找來了.
[attrib 作定語]
an initiative test 自發的試驗.
4 [C] power or right of ordinary citizens to make proposals for new laws (as in Switzerland) (普通公民提出新法規倡議的)創制權(如瑞士的).
5 (idm 習語) on one's own i`nitiative without anyone else ordering one to do sth, or suggesting that one should do it 主動地; 自發地; 積極地
In the absence of my commanding officer, I acted on my own initiative. 指揮官不在場, 我主動見機行事. take the initiative take the first step in an undertaking, esp one that encourages others to act 帶頭; 倡導; 發起
It's up to this country to take the initiative in banning nuclear weapons. 這個國家應該主動提出禁止核武器.