operative
C1Formal, Technical
Definition
Meaning
Functioning effectively; in operation; having effect.
A worker, especially a skilled one in a technical field; a secret agent; a word or phrase that carries significant meaning in a statement.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word spans concrete (a person) and abstract (functioning) meanings. As an adjective, it often implies something is currently active and producing results. As a noun, it can be neutral (worker) or carry espionage connotations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
As a noun meaning 'worker', it is more common in American English (e.g., 'machine operative'). In British English, 'operator' is often preferred for technical roles. The espionage sense is equally understood.
Connotations
In both varieties, the espionage sense is strong. In AmE, the 'worker' sense is more mundane and industrial. In BrE, it can sound slightly more formal or American-influenced in that context.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English, particularly in business and industrial contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [system/plan/law] is operative.He worked as an operative for [agency/organisation].The [adjective] operative word is 'potential'.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The operative word is... (used to highlight the most important word in a statement)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to systems being live or to key personnel. 'The new policy will become operative next quarter.'
Academic
Used in technical descriptions (e.g., surgery, mechanics) and linguistic analysis ('operative clause').
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Most likely heard in news about spies or in the phrase 'the operative word'.
Technical
Precise term in medicine, engineering, computing, and intelligence sectors.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- (Rare as verb; not standard)
American English
- (Rare as verb; not standard)
adverb
British English
- (Not standard)
American English
- (Not standard)
adjective
British English
- The treaty is now fully operative.
- The lift is not operative due to maintenance.
American English
- The new law will be operative by January.
- Is the security system operative?
Examples
By CEFR Level
- (Too advanced for A2)
- The factory needs a new machine operative.
- Is this telephone operative?
- The new regulations will become operative next month.
- He was revealed to be a covert operative.
- The surgeon described the operative technique in detail.
- In that sentence, 'theoretical' is the operative word.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an OPERATing secretIVE agent – an OPERATIVE.
Conceptual Metaphor
MACHINERY/TOOLS (A system is a machine that must be operative to produce results; a person is a tool of an organisation).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводить как 'оперативный' в значении 'быстрый' (use 'quick' or 'prompt').
- В значении 'рабочий' контекст часто промышленный, а не офисный ('office worker').
- Избегать кальки 'оперативное слово' – только идиома 'the operative word'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'operative' to mean 'efficient' (use 'efficient' or 'effective').
- Confusing 'operative' (adj/n) with 'operator' (n, one who operates).
- Overusing the noun form in non-technical contexts where 'worker' or 'agent' is clearer.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'operative' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is common in formal, technical, and media contexts (espionage, business, law) but not in everyday casual conversation.
They are often synonyms as adjectives. 'Operational' is more frequent for systems and machinery. 'Operative' can also be a noun and is used in legal/formal declarations (e.g., 'the law is operative').
Not directly. It can mean 'a worker', and in a medical context, it might refer to a surgical worker, but 'surgeon' or 'operative surgeon' is more precise. 'Operative' often describes the procedure itself.
It highlights the most crucial or significant word in a statement, the one on which the meaning 'operates' or depends. It's a fixed phrase.