Operative

/ˈɒpəɹətɪv/ · adjective

Meaning

Effectual or important..

Definitions by Sense

1. Effectual or important.
2. Functional, in working order.
3. Having the power of acting; hence, exerting force, physical or moral; active in the production of effects.
4. Producing the appropriate or designed effect; efficacious.
5. Based upon, or consisting of, a surgical operation or operations. [from 18th c.]
6. An employee or other worker with some particular function or skill.
7. A spy, secret agent, or detective.
8. A participant in an operation.

Example Sentences

He's usually in a good mood — the operative word there being "usually". Today was a disaster.

an operative motive

It holds in all operative principles.

This call is operative not merely on the level of abstract theory.

an operative dose, rule, or penalty

operative surgery

Practically 50 per cent of the female operatives are found in the two groups aged 15 to 19 and 20 to 24 years, while only 18.2 per cent of the female nonoperatives are found in these age groups.

Synonyms for operative

Antonyms for operative

Related Words

Word Forms

• more operative
• most operative
• operatives

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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