operative

1 of 2

adjective

op·​er·​a·​tive ˈä-p(ə-)rə-tiv  ˈä-pə-ˌrā- 

1

a

: producing an appropriate effect : efficacious

operative techniques

b

: most significant or essential

the operative word in a phrase

the operative facts

2

: exerting force or influence : operating

an operative statute

3

a

: having to do with physical operations (as of machines)

operative skills

b

: working

an operative craftsman

4

: based on or consisting of an operation

operative dentistry

The disease may require operative treatment.

operatively adverb

operativeness noun

operative

2 of 2

noun

: operator: such as

a

: artisan, mechanic

b

: a secret agent

c

: private investigator

d

: a person who works toward achieving the objectives of a larger interest

political operatives

Synonyms of operative

Adjective

• operating
• operational

Noun

• spy
• agent

Examples of operative in a Sentence

Adjective

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.

Noun

CIA operatives take terrible risks to find out the secrets of foreign countries.

set in the 1930s, the novel is about a washed-out operative working for a third-rate detective agency

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Splatoon Raiders ditches the series' trademark, competitive multiplayer shooting, to focus entirely on single-player and co-operative raids. — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 23 July 2026

While some experts remain cautious about banks' long-term commitment, stablecoin on-chain volume is rapidly increasing, with the GENIUS Act's January 2027 operative date marking a crucial future milestone for the industry. — Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Noun

In search of a quick fix to the systemic issues within the Democratic Party, operatives pushed a candidate under the guise of authenticity. — Maria Comella, Vanity Fair, 23 July 2026

In 2018, former campaign worker Alaina Hampton filed allegations against Kevin Quinn, a loyal operative of longtime House speaker Mike Madigan — and Hampton’s supervisor. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English operatif "active, working," borrowed from Late Latin operātīvus, from operātus, past participle of operārī "to work, be efficacious" + Latin -īvus -ive — more at operate

Noun

derivative of operative entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

circa 1810, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for operative

• inoperative
• postoperative
• preoperative
• perioperative
• uncooperative

Kids Definition

operative

1 of 2 adjective

op·​er·​a·​tive ˈäp-(ə-)rət-iv 

ˈäp-ə-ˌrāt-

1

: producing a normal or desired effect

2

: being in operation

operative

2 of 2 noun

1

: operator sense 1

2

a

: a secret agent : spy

b

: detective entry 2

Medical Definition

operative

adjective

op·​er·​a·​tive ˈäp-(ə-)rət-iv  ˈäp-ə-ˌrāt- 

: of, relating to, involving, or resulting from an operation

operative treatment

operative mortality rates