operative
1op·er·a·tive
adj \ˈä-p(ə-)rə-tiv, ˈä-pə-ˌrā-\Definition of OPERATIVE
1
a : producing an appropriate effect : efficacious b : most significant or essential <the operative word in a phrase>
2
: exerting force or influence : operating
3
a : having to do with physical operations (as of machines) b : working <an operative craftsman>
4
: based on or consisting of an operation <operative dentistry>
— op·er·a·tive·ly adverb
— op·er·a·tive·ness noun
Examples of OPERATIVE
- The factory must pass inspection before it becomes operative.
- The telephone system is now fully operative.
- If I go, I will bring a salad. “If,” however, is the operative word, since I am not sure that I can go.
First Known Use of OPERATIVE
15th century
Related to OPERATIVE
Synonyms: alive, functional, functioning, going, live, living, on, operating, operational, active, running, working
Antonyms: broken, dead, inactive, inoperative, kaput (also kaputt), nonactivated, nonfunctional, nonfunctioning, nonoperating, nonoperational, nonoperative
Related Words: effective, effectual; employable, operable, usable (also useable), viable, workable; performing, producing, productive, serving, useful, yielding; astir, bustling, busy, dynamic, flourishing, humming, roaring, thriving
Near Antonyms: deactivated, decommissioned; ineffective, ineffectual, useless; inoperable, unusable, unworkable; arrested, asleep, dormant, fallow, idle, inert, latent, lifeless, nonproductive, quiescent, sleepy, stagnating, unproductive, vegetating
Learn More About OPERATIVE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: operatize
Previous Word in the Dictionary: operations research
All Words Near: operative
Previous Word in the Dictionary: operations research
All Words Near: operative
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up operative? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).






See 

