operative
- 01 C1 Advanced
n.a worker who has a specific skill or job, especially in a factory or technical field.
n.a worker, typically one with a specific technical skill or function within an industrial or mechanical context.
Simple“The factory hired several new operatives to manage the assembly line.”
In context“Industrial operatives were required to undergo rigorous safety training before being permitted to handle the high-pressure machinery.”
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.someone who works secretly for a government or a large organization, like a spy.
n.a person who works for an organization, especially an intelligence agency, to carry out secret or specialized tasks.
Simple“The intelligence operative spent months undercover in the foreign city.”
In context“The agency denied any knowledge of the operative's activities after the mission was compromised by local authorities.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.ready to use or currently working.
adj.functioning or in working order; currently active or in effect.
Simple“The new security system will be fully operative by next Monday.”
In context“The treaty remains operative despite the recent diplomatic tensions between the two neighboring nations.”
Synonyms - 04 C1 Advanced
adj.the most important word in a sentence that explains the real meaning.
adj.describing a word or phrase that is the most significant or influential in a particular context.
Simple“He said he might help, but 'might' is the operative word there.”
In context“In the contract's termination clause, 'unforeseen' is the operative word that determines whether the deposit is refundable.”
UsageUsually used in the phrase 'the operative word'.
Synonyms - 05 C1 Advanced
adj.relating to medical operations or surgery.
adj.pertaining to or consisting of a surgical operation.
Simple“The patient's operative wound is healing well after the procedure.”
In context“The surgeon reviewed the operative report to confirm that no complications had occurred during the bypass.”
Synonyms
“This month he started a full-time job there as a warehouse operative, and has been praised for his work from his bosses.”
“That year, a Russian helicopter pilot who defected was killed in Spain – Russian operatives were the prime suspects.”
From Middle English operative, operatyfe, from Middle French operatif (modern French opératif) or its etymon Latin operātīvus. By surface analysis, operate + -ive.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.