Learn English – Can we use the word “initiative” as an adjective

adjectivesword-usage

I'd like to ask if we can use the word initiative as an adjective. I have found it used that way, but there is no entry for initiative as an adjective in the Oxford Advanced Learners' Dictionary.

Best Answer

Actually initiative as an adjective can be found in dictionaries as shown below. I'd say that is not a common adjective and initiatory, introductory or initial are valid alternatives.

  1. Of or relating to initiation.

  2. Used to initiate; initiatory.

  3. of or concerning initiation or serving to initiate; initiatory.

Examples:

initiative - serving to set in motion;

  • "the initiative phase in the negotiations"; "an initiatory step toward a treaty";

  • Compressed dry guncotton is easily detonated by an initiative detonator such as mercuric fulminate.

  • In 1908 an act was passed providing for local option in regard to the sale of intoxicating liquors, by an election to be called an initiative petition, signed by at least 35% of the electors of a county.

  • The first attempts to utilize the explosive power of nitroglycerin were made by Nobel in 1863; they were only partially successful until the plan, first applied by General Pictot in 1854, of developing the force of gunpowder in the most rapid manner and to the maximum extent, through initiative detonation, was applied by Nobel to nitroglycerin.

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