English · Word Candidate

operative

/ˈɒpəɹətɪv/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: operatives

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Effectual or important.

Adjective

Examples

He's usually in a good mood — the operative word there being "usually". Today was a disaster.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Functional, in working order.

Adjective

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

An employee or other worker with some particular function or skill.

Noun

Examples

Practically 50 per cent of the female operatives are found in the two groups aged 15 to 19 and 20 to 24 years, while only 18.2 per cent of the female nonoperatives are found in these age groups.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

A spy, secret agent, or detective.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “operative” mean?

Effectual or important.

Is “operative” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.