initiative
A new plan or action taken to achieve something
Examples
In a meeting
“Our diversity initiative has increased applications by 40%.”
Over coffee
“I'm starting a new initiative to exercise three times a week.”
Why this word
project
initiative emphasizes the proactive, often strategic nature of an undertaking, while project is more neutral about its origin
effort
initiative implies taking the first step or showing leadership, while effort simply means trying hard
program
initiative suggests a new, forward-thinking action, while program is more general and can be routine or established
Usage tip
Use for new programs, projects, or efforts aimed at improvement
Etymology
Latin 'initiare' (to begin) from 'initium' (beginning) from 'inire' (to go in)
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Related words
implement
To put a plan, decision, or agreement into action.
proceed
To continue with a course of action
eliminate
To completely remove or get rid of something.
initiate
To cause a process or action to begin.
anticipate
To expect or predict something and prepare for it accordingly.
preempt
Take action to prevent something before it happens