Comprehensive
Dictionary Suite
Help
Help
Help
 
Advanced Dictionary        

op·er·a·tive

operative

 
 
pronunciation:
a p r tihv [or] a p reI tihv [or] a pr tihv
parts of speech:
noun, adjective
features:
Word Combinations (noun, adjective)
part of speech: noun
definition 1: one who is employed in a particular kind of work, esp. in industry.
synonyms:
laborer, worker
similar words:
craftsman, employee, hand, mechanic, workman
definition 2: an undercover or secret agent; spy.
One of our operatives has managed to gain access to the enemy compound.
synonyms:
agent, spy
similar words:
investigator, secret agent, spook
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
 
part of speech: adjective
definition 1: exerting influence or force.
synonyms:
active, influential, instrumental
antonyms:
inoperative
similar words:
effective, effectual, forceful, motive, potent, powerful, strong
definition 2: operating efficiently and effectively.
synonyms:
efficient, functioning, running, working
antonyms:
inoperative
similar words:
active, alive, effective, effectual, functional, going, operational, productive
definition 3: being in effect.
The regulations that had been imposed on the industry are no longer operative.
synonyms:
active, effective, in effect
antonyms:
inoperative
similar words:
alive, functional, functioning, living, operational, running, working
definition 4: having especial significance or meaning.
"Usually" is the operative word in the sentence.
synonyms:
important, significant, substantial
similar words:
consequential, distinctive, exceptional, great, momentous, salient, special, weighty
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
derivations: operatively (adv.), operativeness (n.)