adjective
Common
operative
O-puh-ruh-tihv
Operative (adjective) means In effect, functioning, or currently applicable. Example: “The ban is no longer operative, so you can park here again.”
adjective
1
In effect, functioning, or currently applicable.
"The ban is no longer operative, so you can park here again."
"Only one of the lifts was operative during the whole weekend."
"The new rules become operative next month."
noun
1
A secret agent, spy, or detective.
"The film follows a government operative who poses as a waiter in a hotel."
"Operatives watched the house from a parked van for several weeks."
"An undercover operative infiltrated the smuggling network."
2
A worker, especially one with a particular skill.
"The company hired skilled operatives to run its new machines."
"He started as a machine operative before becoming a supervisor."
"Factory operatives assembled the parts by hand."
How to use operative
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither "in force/working," or a person who does skilled or secretive work, like a spy.
Common pairings
undercover operative
become operative
skilled operative
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Word forms
- Plural
- operatives
- Comparative
- more operative
- Superlative
- most operative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The ban is no longer _____, so you can park here again.
Etymology
From Latin operativus, from operari, "to work" — the same family as "operate" and "operation."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for operative
See all rhymes for operative →Frequently asked questions
What does “operative” mean?
The word “operative” means in effect, functioning, or currently applicable. In plain terms, either "in force/working," or a person who does skilled or secretive work, like a spy.
How do you pronounce “operative”?
“Operative” is pronounced O-puh-ruh-tihv (/ˈɑpəɹətɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “operative” in a sentence?
Here is “operative” used in a sentence: “The new rules become operative next month.”
What part of speech is “operative”?
Depending on how it is used, “operative” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “operative” come from?
The word “operative” comes from Latin. From Latin operativus, from operari, "to work" — the same family as "operate" and "operation.".
Is “operative” a common word?
“Operative” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “operative” have?
“Operative” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in effect, functioning, or currently applicable.
What is the difference between operative and operational?
Operative describes something that is currently in effect, functioning, or applicable, such as "the operative rule" meaning the one that currently applies. Operational more specifically describes something that is in working order or ready to perform its intended function, such as a machine or system.
What is the difference between an operative and an agent?
An operative is a secret agent, spy, or detective, often implying someone carrying out covert tasks for an organization. "Agent" is a broader term that can refer to any representative or operative, secret or otherwise, acting on behalf of a person or organization.
What does operative mean when used as a noun for a worker?
As a noun, an operative can also refer to a worker, especially one with a particular skill, such as a factory or machine operative. This sense is distinct from the "secret agent" meaning and is common in industrial or labor contexts.
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