operative

/ˈɒpərətɪv/ Formal / Technical

Say it: OP-er-uh-tiv

1. adjective In effect or having force; functioning.
The new regulations will become operative on the first of the month.
2. noun A secret agent or spy.
The intelligence agency sent a seasoned operative to gather information on the ground.
3. adjective Relating to a surgical operation.
The patient's chart outlined the entire pre-operative and operative plan.
4. noun A worker, especially one with a specific skill in a factory or industrial setting.
The factory floor was filled with operatives managing the complex machinery.

📖 Seen in the wild

The new policy will be operative starting next month.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ operative in a sentence

The key operative factor in their success was relentless marketing.
He was a skilled political operative, known for managing campaigns behind the scenes.
The treaty will remain operative until both parties agree to its termination.
In the phrase 'I might help you', the operative word is 'might'.
The undercover operative successfully infiltrated the organization.
Post-operative care is crucial for a full recovery.
Our operative assumption is that the client will approve the budget.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

effective functional in force working active operational agent spy

effective · suggests producing a desired or successful result, not just being in force.

functional · implies something is working correctly as it was designed to.

in force · nearly identical, but used almost exclusively for laws, rules, and regulations.

working · a more general and less formal term for something that is functioning.

Opposites: inoperative, ineffective, defunct, non-functioning

🌱 Where it comes from

The word comes from the Late Latin 'operativus', meaning 'working' or 'creative', which itself stems from 'operari', 'to work'. Its primary English sense has always related to being in effect or at work. The meaning of 'spy' or 'secret agent' is a more modern development from the early 20th century, a shortening of 'operative agent'.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

the operative wordbecome operativeundercover operativeremain operativepolitical operative

Operative is most often used as a formal adjective meaning 'in effect', especially in legal, business, or official contexts. It is often confused with 'operational', which typically describes whether a system or organization is ready for use. A law is operative (in effect), while a military base is operational (ready to function). The noun sense, meaning 'spy' or 'agent', is also common and distinct from the adjective.

Word family: operate, operation, operator, operational

💬 Quick answers

What does 'operative' mean?

It has two main meanings. As an adjective, it means 'in effect' or 'functioning', often for laws or plans. As a noun, it can mean a secret agent or a skilled worker.

What's the difference between 'operative' and 'operational'?

'Operative' means something is in effect or has force, like a rule. 'Operational' means something is ready to be used or is currently functioning, like a factory or a website.

What does 'the operative word' mean?

This phrase identifies the most important word in a statement, the one that reveals the true meaning or a key condition. In 'I'll probably go,' the operative word is 'probably'.

Is 'operative' a formal word?

Yes, the adjective sense of 'operative' is generally formal and common in legal, business, and official contexts. The noun sense referring to a spy is more neutral.

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