Meaning & Definition of word "Operative"

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.