Meaning & use
operative
Functioning or having effect; being the most important or relevant factor in a situation.
See it in a sentence
Safety regulations became operative as soon as the new factory opened for business.
The operative word in her promise was 'try,' not 'guarantee.'
A note on using this word
The phrase 'the operative word' highlights which single word in a statement carries the real meaning or condition.
Words with a similar meaning
functioningeffective
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
Another way to use it
2. noun
A worker, especially a skilled one, or a secret agent employed to gather information.
The factory hired twenty new operatives to keep up with holiday demand.
Make it your own
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