operative
operative Lexical Profile
operative Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Functioning, working, or having practical effect; currently in force or operation.
"The new safety regulations will become fully operative at the start of next month."
Having the greatest significance, relevance, or weight in a phrase, statement, or situation.
"In the contract, 'conditional' is the operative word that limits our liability."
Relating to or involving a surgical operation.
"The patient recovered quickly thanks to advanced operative techniques and attentive nursing care."
• noun
A secret agent, private detective, or representative who conducts intelligence, investigative, or political work for an organization.
"The campaign operative spent months organizing grassroots support across several key districts."
British A worker, especially one employed in a skilled trade, factory, or industrial plant.
"Every machine operative in the factory received thorough training on the new equipment."
• Rhymes for operative
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 16th century from Late Latin operativus ('effective, active'), derived from Latin operat-, the past participial stem of operari ('to work, labor'), from opus ('work').
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.