Meaning & Definition of word "Operative"
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Operative
/ˈɒp.ə.rə.tɪv/
noun:
- 1. A person who operates something, especially in a secretive or covert manner.
- Example: The operative was tasked with gathering intelligence in the region.
- 2. A person who is engaged in a particular line of work, especially in a professional or skilled capacity.
- Example: She is a skilled operative in the field of cybersecurity.
adjective:
- 1. Functioning or having effect; effective.
- Example: The new policies will be operative from the beginning of next month.
- 2. Having to do with or involving workers and their working conditions.
- Example: They formed an operative committee to address labor issues.
- 3. Capable of producing a desired effect.
- Example: The operative method was successful in solving the problem.
Etymology
Late Middle English: from Latin operativus, from operari ‘to work.’
Common Phrases and Expressions
operative word:
The most important word or concept in a statement.
operative clause:
A provision in a contract or legal document that has effect.
operative vocabulary:
Words that are used actively by a person.
Related Words
operation:
The act or process of functioning or working.
operator:
A person or organization that runs a particular business or service.
operate:
To control the functioning of a machine or system.
Slang Meanings of operative
Meaning: A person involved in covert operations, often in espionage.
Example Sentence: He’s an operative in the intelligence community.
Meaning: Someone who knows the ins and outs of a system.
Example Sentence: She’s the operative you want when you need insider information.