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operative
[ op-er-uh-tiv, op-ruh-tiv, op-uh-rey-tiv ]
noun
- a person engaged, employed, or skilled in some branch of work, especially productive or industrial work; worker.
Synonyms: workman
- a detective.
Synonyms: investigator, agent
- a secret agent; spy.
adjective
- having force; being in effect or operation:
laws operative in this city.
- effective or efficacious.
Synonyms: serviceable, effectual
- engaged in, concerned with, or pertaining to work or productive activity.
- significant; key:
The operative word in that sentence is “sometimes.”
- Medicine/Medical. concerned with, involving, or pertaining to surgical operations.
operative
/ ˈɒpərətɪv /
adjective
- in force, effect, or operation
- exerting force or influence
- producing a desired effect; significant
the operative word
- of or relating to a surgical procedure
noun
- a worker, esp one with a special skill
- a private detective
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Derived Forms
- ˈoperatively, adverb
- ˈoperativeness, noun
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Other Words From
- oper·a·tive·ly adverb
- oper·a·tive·ness op·er·a·tiv·i·ty [op-er-, uh, -, tiv, -i-tee], noun
- inter·oper·a·tive noun adjective
- non·oper·a·tive adjective
- un·oper·a·tive adjective
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Word History and Origins
Origin of operative1
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Example Sentences
“It seems to me that the operative questions are political and strategic, not legal,” said the former administration official.
“That was a good sign,” said one operative helping to lay the groundwork for a Hillary run.
Make way not for ducklings but for relentless darkness: so the operative mantra goes.
However, one prominent Iowa Democratic operative was left shaking his head at the mailer.
On the fashion shoot beforehand, he was puppyish energy and charm—no diva-ishness, just fast, funny, and co-operative.
The conception of the relation of this institution with them as co-operative makes headway slowly.
This system, as already stated, became operative in most districts during June, 1915.
Still another kind of war credit bank was created on the co-operative plan to assist the middle and lower classes.
Democracy, let us grant it, is the best system of government as yet operative in this world of sin.
And I have had a unique opportunity of watching the effect of some co-operative effort in Champaran.
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