Operative Meaning
/ˈɒpəɹətɪv/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjEffectual or important.
adjFunctional, in working order.
Sentence Examples
An undercover operative infiltrated the organization.
Sami was an undercover police operative.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
The trained CIA ____ was secretly sent on a dangerous mission abroad.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The key ____ word in the contract is 'reasonable,' which both parties interpret very differently.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English operative, operatyfe, from Middle French operatif (modern French opératif) or its etymon Latin operātīvus. By surface analysis, operate + -ive.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"It holds in all operative principles."
— 1692–1717, Robert South, Twelve Sermons Preached upon Several Occasions, volume (please specify |volume=I to VI), London:
"This call is operative not merely on the level of abstract theory."
— 1988 April 2, Phillip Brian Harper, “Lesbians and gay men of color, speak out!”, in Gay Community News, page 9:
"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."
— 1916, Women in industry series, United States. Bureau of Labor Statistics, page 366:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The trained CIA ____ was secretly sent on a dangerous mission abroad.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The key ____ word in the contract is 'reasonable,' which both parties interpret very differently.