operative

American  

[op-er-uh-tiv, op-ruh-tiv, op-uh-rey-tiv] / ˈɒp ər ə tɪv, ˈɒp rə tɪv, ˈɒp əˌreɪ tɪv /

noun

1. a person engaged, employed, or skilled in some branch of work, especially productive or industrial work; worker.

   Synonyms:

   workman

2. a detective.

   Synonyms:

   agent, investigator

3. a secret agent; spy.

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adjective

1. operating, operating, or exerting force, power, or influence.

2. having force; being in effect or operation.

   laws operative in this city.

3. effective or efficacious.

   Synonyms:

   serviceable, effectual

4. engaged in, concerned with, or pertaining to work or productive activity.

5. significant; key.

   The operative word in that sentence is “sometimes.”

6. Medicine/Medical. concerned with, involving, or pertaining to surgical operations.

operative British  

/ ˈɒpərətɪv /

adjective

1. in force, effect, or operation

2. exerting force or influence

3. producing a desired effect; significant

   the operative word

4. of or relating to a surgical procedure

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noun

1. a worker, esp one with a special skill

2. a private detective

Usage

What does operative mean? An operative is a person who is employed in or is skilled in a certain branch of work.Operative is generally used to mean a worker, but in some industries, an operative is specifically a representative or a manager.In the fields of espionage and tactics, an operative is almost always a spy or agent working secretly for an organization.Operative also means detective when used in reference to the police force or private investigation teams.As an adjective, operative often means exerting power or influence. Something that is operative is binding or in effect, such as operative laws or an operative organization that establishes rules.In medicine, operative describes something related to a surgical operation. Operative pain, for example, is pain that occurs from having an operation.Example: A public relations operative informed us that there is an emerging crisis.

Other Word Forms

• interoperative noun
• nonoperative adjective
• operatively adverb
• operativeness noun
• operativity noun
• unoperative adjective

Etymology

Origin of operative

1590–1600; < Middle French operatif < Latin operāt ( us ) ( operate ) + Middle French -if -ive

Example Sentences

The investigation centered on Swalwell’s ties to a suspected intelligence operative, Christine Fang, or Fang Fang, who worked as a volunteer raising money for his congressional campaign.

From Los Angeles Times

Now he’s President, and history and the world want to know if that boast is still operative.

From The Wall Street Journal

There was no immediate comment in response to AFP's request from the Israeli army, which usually says it is targeting Hezbollah sites or operatives with its attacks.

From Barron's

The Russian operatives in Africa were breaking new ground by moving into Angola, it is claimed.

From BBC

Slovenian officials said they worked with European partners to identify Black Cube operatives who they say participated in the alleged plot to influence its election.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• operational
• usable