What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
initiative
Example
She took the initiative to organize a charity event. [initiative: noun]
Example
He showed initiative by proposing a new project idea. [initiative: noun]
ingenuity
Example
Her ingenuity helped her to solve the complex puzzle. [ingenuity: noun]
Example
He used his ingenuity to build a makeshift shelter in the wilderness. [ingenuity: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Initiative is more commonly used than ingenuity in everyday language, especially in business and organizational contexts. Ingenuity is a less common word but is still widely recognized and used in technical and creative fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between initiative and ingenuity?
Both initiative and ingenuity are relatively formal words, but initiative is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while ingenuity is more commonly used in technical and academic contexts.
