Operative Definition
ŏpər-ə-tĭv, -ə-rātĭv, ŏprə-
operatives
adjective
Capable of, characterized by, or in operation.
Webster's New World
Being in effect; having force; operating.
American Heritage
Functioning effectively; efficient.
American Heritage Medicine
Accomplishing what is desired; effective.
Webster's New World
Connected with physical work or mechanical action.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
noun
operatives
A worker, esp. one skilled in industrial work.
Webster's New World
A detective or spy.
Webster's New World
A private investigator.
American Heritage
One who works for a political organization, often wielding influence out of public view.
American Heritage
A participant of an operation.
Wiktionary
Synonyms:
- sherlock
- shamus
- private-investigator
- private eye
- pi
- private-detective
- intelligence agent
- intelligence officer
- secret-agent
- spook
- spy
- agent
- workwoman
- workman
- workingwoman
Other Word Forms of Operative
Noun
Singular:
operative
Plural:
operativesRelated Articles
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