operative term

Meanings

1. 1nouncountableformal

   The word in a statement or rule that carries the main legal or practical effect.

   Grammar: Countable; often used with 'the' when the term is already known: 'The operative term is "reasonable."'

   Patterns

   • the operative term is ...
   • the operative term in something
   • the operative term of a rule

   In the contract, the operative term is 'within thirty days', not 'soon'.

   The judge said the operative term in the statute is 'knowingly', because it decides whether the act was a crime.

   When you read the policy, find the operative term that limits the company's duty.

2. 2nouncountableformal

   The key word that explains the main point or condition in a discussion.

   Grammar: Countable; often used after 'the' in general discussion: 'The operative term here is trust.'

   Patterns

   • the operative term here
   • the operative term is ...
   • use something as the operative term

   In this debate, the operative term is 'fairness', because both sides define it differently.

   The teacher told us that in the essay question, the operative term is 'compare', so we must show similarities.

   For the committee, the operative term is 'affordable', and that is why the plan was rejected.

Word forms

Common combinations

the operative term is

The operative term is 'immediately', so we must act now.

the operative term in a contract

The operative term in the contract is 'exclusive', which prevents us from hiring another firm.

identify the operative term

Before you sign, identify the operative term that could cost you money.

the operative term of the rule

The operative term of the rule is 'may', not 'must'.

treat something as the operative term

The court treated 'reasonable' as the operative term in the law.

Synonyms and how they differ

key term

More general and less formal; 'key term' can mean any important word, while 'operative term' specifically means the word that gives legal or practical effect.

operative word

Very close in meaning, but 'operative word' is more common in everyday speech and often used humorously: 'He said he was sorry—operative word, sorry.'

controlling term

Used mostly in legal contexts; it emphasizes that the term controls the meaning, while 'operative term' emphasizes that it makes the rule work.

Word family

operative adjective

Having effect or being in force, as in 'the operative clause'.

operate verb

To work or function, or to control a machine.

operation noun

The act of working or being in effect.

Commonly confused: operative term or operational term?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “operative term”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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