adjective
operative
O-puh-ruh-tihv
adjective
1
In effect, functioning, or currently applicable.
"The new rules become operative next month."
noun
1
A secret agent, spy, or detective.
"An undercover operative infiltrated the smuggling network."
2
A worker, especially one with a particular skill.
"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
Word Forms
more operative comparative, operatives plural, most operative superlative
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Etymology
From Latin operativus, from operari, "to work" — the same family as "operate" and "operation."