operative

1 of 2

adjective

op·​er·​a·​tive ˈä-p(ə-)rə-tiv  ˈä-pə-ˌrā- 

1

a

: producing an appropriate effect : efficacious

operative techniques

b

: most significant or essential

the operative word in a phrase

the operative facts

2

: exerting force or influence : operating

an operative statute

3

a

: having to do with physical operations (as of machines)

operative skills

b

: working

an operative craftsman

4

: based on or consisting of an operation

operative dentistry

The disease may require operative treatment.

operatively adverb

operativeness noun

operative

2 of 2

noun

: operator: such as

a

: artisan, mechanic

b

: a secret agent

c

: private investigator

d

: a person who works toward achieving the objectives of a larger interest

political operatives

Synonyms

Adjective

• active
• alive
• functional
• functioning
• going
• live
• living
• on
• operating
• operational
• running
• working

Noun

• agent
• asset
• emissary
• intelligencer
• mole
• spook
• spy
• undercover

Examples of operative in a Sentence

Adjective

The factory must pass inspection before it becomes operative.

The telephone system is now fully operative.

If I go, I will bring a salad. “If,” however, is the operative word, since I am not sure that I can go.

Noun

CIA operatives take terrible risks to find out the secrets of foreign countries.

set in the 1930s, the novel is about a washed-out operative working for a third-rate detective agency

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

When Cyber Command was established in 2010, the operative assumption was that its focus should be on trying to prevent the military’s networks from being infiltrated or disabled. —Paul M. Nakasone, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2020

Ryan Reynolds found the perfect fit with 2016's Deadpool, starring as Wade Wilson, a former Canadian special forces operative (dishonorably discharged) who develops regenerative healing powers that heal his cancer but leave him permanently disfigured with scars all over his body. —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 22 Apr. 2024

Noun

Steeped in diplomacy in Europe and the Middle East, Gordon is generally placed in the progressive category of national security operatives. —Tracy Wilkinson, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2024

The big picture: In the last few years, Russian disinformation operatives have struggled to gain traction online. —Sam Sabin, Axios, 10 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English operatif "active, working," borrowed from Late Latin operātīvus, from operātus, past participle of operārī "to work, be efficacious" + Latin -īvus -ive — more at operate

Noun

derivative of operative entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

circa 1810, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

operative

1 of 2 adjective

op·​er·​a·​tive ˈäp-(ə-)rət-iv 

ˈäp-ə-ˌrāt-

1

: producing a normal or desired effect

2

: being in operation

operative

2 of 2 noun

1

: operator sense 1

2

a

: a secret agent : spy

b

: detective entry 2

Medical Definition

operative

adjective

op·​er·​a·​tive ˈäp-(ə-)rət-iv  ˈäp-ə-ˌrāt- 

: of, relating to, involving, or resulting from an operation

operative treatment

operative mortality rates