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operative

n. · adj.
US //ˈɑpɝətɪv// UK //ˈɒpəɹətˌɪv// op·er·a·tive
  1. 1 a skilled worker (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    a worker who has a specific skill or job, especially in a factory or technical field.

    a worker, typically one with a specific technical skill or function within an industrial or mechanical context.

    Example

    The factory hired several new operatives to manage the assembly line.

    Example

    Industrial operatives were required to undergo rigorous safety training before being permitted to handle the high-pressure machinery.
  2. 2 a secret agent (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    someone who works secretly for a government or a large organization, like a spy.

    a person who works for an organization, especially an intelligence agency, to carry out secret or specialized tasks.

    Example

    The intelligence operative spent months undercover in the foreign city.

    Example

    The agency denied any knowledge of the operative's activities after the mission was compromised by local authorities.
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  1. 3 functional or working (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    ready to use or currently working.

    functioning or in working order; currently active or in effect.

    Example

    The new security system will be fully operative by next Monday.

    Example

    The treaty remains operative despite the recent diplomatic tensions between the two neighboring nations.
  2. 4 the most important word (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    the most important word in a sentence that explains the real meaning.

    describing a word or phrase that is the most significant or influential in a particular context.

    Example

    He said he might help, but 'might' is the operative word there.

    Example

    In the contract's termination clause, 'unforeseen' is the operative word that determines whether the deposit is refundable.

    Usage

    Usually used in the phrase 'the operative word'.
  3. 5 relating to surgery (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

    relating to medical operations or surgery.

    pertaining to or consisting of a surgical operation.

    Example

    The patient's operative wound is healing well after the procedure.

    Example

    The surgeon reviewed the operative report to confirm that no complications had occurred during the bypass.
Origin

From Middle English operative, operatyfe, from Middle French operatif (modern French opératif) or its etymon Latin operātīvus. By surface analysis, operate + -ive.

Word family

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