# operative

/ˈɑpɝətɪv/ (US) · /ˈɒpəɹətˌɪv/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/operative
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. a skilled worker

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

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

- The factory hired several new operatives to manage the assembly line.
- Industrial operatives were required to undergo rigorous safety training before being permitted to handle the high-pressure machinery.

### 2. a secret agent

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The intelligence operative spent months undercover in the foreign city.
- The agency denied any knowledge of the operative's activities after the mission was compromised by local authorities.

### 3. functional or working

adjective · CEFR B2

ready to use or currently working.

For teachers: functioning or in working order; currently active or in effect.

- The new security system will be fully operative by next Monday.
- The treaty remains operative despite the recent diplomatic tensions between the two neighboring nations.

### 4. the most important word

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

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

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

### 5. relating to surgery

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

relating to medical operations or surgery.

For teachers: pertaining to or consisting of a surgical operation.

- The patient's operative wound is healing well after the procedure.
- The surgeon reviewed the operative report to confirm that no complications had occurred during the bypass.

## Examples

- The secret operative met his contact in the park.
- Intelligence agencies sent an operative to the border to monitor the situation quietly.
- The investigation revealed that a corporate operative had been planted within the rival firm to gather sensitive data on their upcoming product launch.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.