operative

Most important for understanding something, or producing the intended result.

• The operative word here is 'free'.
• He promised to try; 'try' is the operative word.
• Trust is the operative principle behind this agreement.

Similar words: key, crucial, effective

Common phrases: operative word, operative phrase, operative principle

Working or ready to work; currently having an effect.

• The alarm is now operative.
• The new rules become operative next month.
• Engineers checked that all safety systems were fully operative.

Similar words: working, operational, in force

Opposites: inoperative

Common phrases: fully operative, operative system, become operative

Actively producing a change or influencing what happens.

• Fear was the operative motive behind his decision.
• Several operative forces shaped the outcome.
• The study identifies the operative causes of this change.

Similar words: active, effective

Opposites: inactive

Common phrases: operative force, operative motive, operative cause

A person employed to do a particular job, often practical or skilled work.

• The factory needs more operatives.
• She works as a machine operative.
• Trained operatives check each part before packing it.

Similar words: worker, employee

Common phrases: machine operative, production operative, warehouse operative

A person who secretly collects information or carries out tasks for an organization.

• The operative used a false name.
• Two operatives followed the suspect through the city.
• The agency sent an experienced operative to investigate.

Similar words: agent, spy

Common phrases: undercover operative, intelligence operative, secret operative