Operative Definition & Meaning

operative
adjective
  1. being in force or having or exerting force; "operative regulations"; "the major tendencies operative in the American political system"
  2. relating to or requiring or amenable to treatment by surgery especially as opposed to medicine; "a surgical appendix"; "a surgical procedure"; "operative dentistry"
  3. effective; producing a desired effect; "the operative word"
  4. (of e.g. a machine) performing or capable of performing; "in running (or working) order"; "a functional set of brakes"
noun
  1. a person secretly employed in espionage for a government
  2. someone who can be employed as a detective to collect information

Synonyms for operative

effective adj

producing or capable of producing an intended result or having a striking effect

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functional adj

designed for or capable of a particular function or use; "a style of writing in which every word is functional

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functioning adj

performing or able to perform its regular function

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good adv

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (`good' is a

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important adj

of great significance or value; "important people"; "the important questions of the day" important in effect or meaning

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key adj

serving as an essential component; "a cardinal rule"; "the central cause of the problem

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operant adj

having influence or producing an effect; "many emotional determinants at work"; "an operant conscience"

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operational adj

pertaining to a process or series of actions for achieving a result; "operational difficulties

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pi noun

the ratio of the circumference to the diameter of a circle

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postoperative adj

happening or done after a surgical operation; "postoperative complications"; "postoperative care"

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"Operative" in song lyrics

See how operative is used in real songs:

  • "the university of north carolina hospitals nursing patient care statement for the adult surgical post operative"
    AOL — AOL
  • "22gastric 20band 22 20and 20 22post 20operative 22"
    AOL — AOL
  • "hernia post operative"
    AOL — AOL

Words that rhyme with operative

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Usage tips for "operative"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "operative" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for operative to find words that pair well.

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♫ Rhymes with operative ↔ Synonyms for operative 🔬 Words containing operative

Frequently asked questions

What does operative mean?
being in force or having or exerting force; "operative regulations"; "the major tendencies operative in the American political system" relating to or requiring or amenable to treatment by surgery especially as opposed to medicine; "a surgical appendix"; "a surgical procedure"; "operative dentistry" effective; producing a desired effect; "the operative word" (of e.g. a machine) performing or capable of performing; "in running (or working) order
What part of speech is operative?
Operative is an adjective and a noun.
How many definitions does operative have?
Operative has 6 definitions across 2 parts of speech (adjective, noun).

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