Definition of “operative” - English Dictionary

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“operative” in English

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operativenoun [ C ]

uk ​ /ˈɒp.ər.ə.tɪv/ us ​ /ˈɑː.pɚ.ə.t̬ɪv/

operativeadjective

uk ​ /ˈɒp.ər.ə.tɪv/ us ​ /ˈɑː.pɚ.ə.t̬ɪv/ formal

Idiom(s)

the operative word

(Definition of “operative” from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

“operative” in American English

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operativeadjective

us ​ /ˈɑp·ər·ə·t̬ɪv/

› working, or in existence:

Our computerized stock-control system is now operative.
I’m looking for a large, affordable apartment – and "affordable" is the operative word (= it has special importance).

(Definition of “operative” from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

“operative” in Business English

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operativenoun [ C ]

uk ​ /ˈɒpərətɪv/ us ​

› HR, WORKPLACE a worker:

a database/call-centre/factory operative

operativeadjective

uk ​ /ˈɒpərətɪv/ us ​

› working or being used:

The agreement will not become operative until all members have signed.
The green light comes on when the machine is operative.

(Definition of “operative” from the Cambridge Business English Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

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