Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for operative

operative

[ op-er-uh-tiv, op-ruh-tiv, op-uh-rey-tiv ]

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: investigator, agent

  3. a secret agent; spy.


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

/ 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


noun

  1. a worker, esp one with a special skill
  2. a private detective

Discover More

Derived Forms

  • ˈoperatively, adverb
  • ˈoperativeness, noun

Discover More

Other Words From

  • oper·a·tive·ly adverb
  • oper·a·tive·ness op·er·a·tiv·i·ty [op-er-, uh, -, tiv, -i-tee], noun
  • inter·oper·a·tive noun adjective
  • non·oper·a·tive adjective
  • un·oper·a·tive adjective

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of operative1

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

Discover More

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.

Advertisement

Related Words

Word of the Day

firkin

[fur-kin ]

Meaning and examples

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


operations roomoperatize