Operative

Quick meaning: Operative is an adjective meaning Effectual or important.

Meaning

Effectual or important.

More Meanings

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

Example Sentences

operative surgery

an operative motive

an operative dose, rule, or penalty

It holds in all operative principles.

Word Forms

• operatives

Synonyms for operative

Depending on context, synonyms include significant, good, important, key, effective, functional.

Antonyms for operative

Common opposites include inoperative, medical, shrike.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include operant, operating, operational, functioning, working, functional.

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