operative Hear it!

operative Definition

op·era·tive (äp′ə rə tiv′, -ə rāt′iv)

adjective

  1. capable of, characterized by, or in operation
    1. accomplishing what is desired; effective
    2. of primary importance; key; essential the operative word in a sentence
  3. connected with physical work or mechanical action
  4. Surgery of or resulting from a surgical operation

Etymology: Fr opératif < LL(Ec) operativus

noun

  1. a worker, esp. one skilled in industrial work
  2. ☆ a detective or spy

operative Related Forms
op′·era′·tively adverb
operative Synonyms

operative

modif.

influential, adequate, efficient; see effective.

operative Law Definition

adj

Description of words in a document that bring about the result of transaction. 
operative Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • employ: The outcome of which was to employ 7 operatives directly.
  • qualify: Fully trained and qualified operatives will ensure that the product's high performance is reflected in the quality of all on-site activities.

Adjective modifier

  • covert: Disclosing the identity of a covert intelligence operative is a violation of federal law punishable by up to 10 years in jail.
  • undercover: Gabrielle Union plays a Drug Enforcement Agency undercover operative who also happens to be Smith's love interest and Lawrence's cousin.
  • trained: HOW THE COUNCIL WILL CARRY OUT TREE WORK Felling or pruning large trees can only be carried out safely by skilled, trained operatives.
  • skilled: HOW THE COUNCIL WILL CARRY OUT TREE WORK Felling or pruning large trees can only be carried out safely by skilled, trained operatives.
  • experienced: The grounds are maintained to a high standard by experienced Cemetery Operatives.

Modifies a noun

  • period: I do not consider this possible in the immediate post operative period.
  • mortality: These findings were obtained despite a low total operative mortality of 2.7 % in the immediate repair group.
  • paragraph: The declaration required of Iraq in operative paragraph 3 within 30 days was absolutely essential.
  • complication: Post operative complications were also noted on this form.
  • procedure: The deceased had a number of other operative procedures in the year prior to his death.
  • word: With a fast personal loan, the operative word would have to be fast.

Noun used with modifier

  • co-: A leading example is Norway where housing Co- operatives provide 14 per cent of all housing in a highly developed system.
  • warehouse: The former Tesco warehouse operative was appointed in July 2003.
  • Co: How did the social insects become so co operative?
  • intelligence: Disclosing the identity of a covert intelligence operative is a violation of federal law punishable by up to 10 years in jail.
  • cotton: She earned 15s per week as a cotton operative.
  • cleaning: Currently some 300 cleaning operatives are employed directly on our customer premises.