operative (ˈɒpərətɪv
)
Definitions
adjective
- in force, effect, or operation
- exerting force or influence
- producing a desired effect; significant ⇒
the operative word
- of or relating to a surgical procedure
noun
- a worker, esp one with a special skill
- US a private detective
Alternative Forms
ˈoperatively adverb ˈoperativeness ˌoperaˈtivity nounSynonyms
View thesaurus entry=
in force,
current,
effective,
standing,
functioning,
active,
efficient,
in effect,
in business
operational,
functional,
in operation
workable,
serviceable,
=
relevant,
important,
key,
fitting,
significant,
appropriate,
crucial,
influential,
apt,
applicable,
indicative,
pertinent,
apposite,
germane,
=
worker,
hand,
employee,
mechanic,
labourer,
workman,
artisan,
machinist,
working man or working woman
=
spy,
secret agent,
double agent,
secret service agent undercover agent
mole,
foreign agent,
fifth columnist,
nark,
Usage examples
One is that Silverlight was a CIA operative who got bumped off in the course of his work.
, Left, Right and Centre (1986)Latent factors include arrangements for equipment storage, cleaning technique, and incorrect operative procedures and techniques.
British Medical Journal (2002)Officers now have until Tuesday to question the men, who reportedly include a suspected key al-Qaida operative.
canada.com (2004)The company has been soliciting payments of up to $10,000 for prominent placement of books in what it calls `co- operative " arrangements.
Independent (1999)I he immediate organiser of the deal was an intelligence operative in Washington, Lieutenant-Colonel Oliver North.
, The Collins History of the World in the 20th Century (1994)