operative

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparableformal

   In use and having an effect; working as it should.

   Grammar: Often used after a verb: the law became operative; sometimes before a noun.

   Patterns

   • become operative
   • fully operative

   The new safety rules become operative on the first of January.

   The lift was not operative, so we took the stairs.

   Only one clause of the agreement remained operative after the dispute.

2. 2adjectivebefore a noun

   Being the most important or key part of a statement or situation.

   Grammar: Used before a noun, often in the operative word or the operative phrase.

   Patterns

   • the operative word
   • the operative factor

   Hopefully is the operative word in her plan.

   The operative reason for the delay was a shortage of staff.

   In the sentence, free is the operative word because it changes the whole offer.

3. 3adjectivebefore a nounmedical

   Relating to a surgical operation.

   Grammar: Used before a noun, mostly in medical writing.

   Patterns

   • operative procedure
   • operative risks

   The surgeon described the operative risks to the patient.

   Operative care starts when the patient enters the theater.

   The operative report noted that the procedure took two hours.

4. 4nouncountable

   A person who works for a secret agency, or a skilled worker, especially in a factory.

   Grammar: Countable; spies are often called operatives in news reports.

   Patterns

   • an operative for something

   The operative slipped across the border carrying false papers.

   A political operative organized the rallies for the candidate.

   Each machine operative must wear safety glasses.

Word forms

Common combinations

become operative

The treaty will become operative next month.

the operative word

Cheap is the operative word in this budget.

fully operative

The pumping station is now fully operative.

undercover operative

An undercover operative gathered evidence for the police.

operative clause

The operative clause sets the date for payment.

Synonyms and how they differ

in force

In force is used for laws and rules that are currently valid, while operative can also describe machinery.

working

Working is the ordinary word for equipment that functions, and it sounds less formal than operative.

key

Key stresses importance, but operative stresses that the word or factor is the one actually doing the work.

agent

Agent is the broader noun for someone acting for an organization, while operative suggests secret or specialist work.

Opposites

Word family

operate verb

to work, function or run

operation noun

the act of working or a medical procedure

operator noun

a person who works a machine or a service

inoperative adjective

not working

operatively adverb

in an operative way

Commonly confused: operative or cooperative? operative or operational?

Practice

Make it your own

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

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