Meaning & use
operative word
The single word in a statement that carries the most important or decisive meaning.
See it in a sentence
He said he would 'try' to come, and try was the operative word.
The plan is 'possible,' but possible is definitely the operative word here.
A note on using this word
Speakers use 'the operative word' to draw attention to a term that limits or qualifies what was just said.
Words with a similar meaning
key word
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Make it your own
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