What does operative mean?
“Operative” describes something that is functioning, effective, or officially able to take effect. In legal and administrative contexts, an operative rule or section is one that has practical force or authority. In medicine, the term can relate to an operation, as in an operative procedure, although it is more commonly used in specialized surgical contexts. As a noun, “operative” is a person who carries out an operation or, especially in intelligence and law-enforcement work, an agent who gathers information or performs covert duties. The word often carries a professional or clandestine connotation in its noun senses, while its adjective use can be formal or technical. It is useful because it links ideas of activity, authority, and practical effect across several fields.
Functioning or effective; having the authority or practical force to take effect.
"The regulation became operative at the beginning of the new year."
Formal and specialized in legal, medical, and administrative contexts; also used generally to describe something functioning.
A person who acts as an agent, representative, or participant in an organization, especially an intelligence, law-enforcement, or clandestine operation.
"The operative met the source in a quiet café."
The covert-agent sense is common in intelligence, espionage, and law-enforcement contexts.
Used for people who serve as agents, especially intelligence or law-enforcement operatives.
"Several operatives were assigned to investigate the breach."
The same word can describe a surgical procedure, an effective rule, or a government agent: in each case, it points to something actively at work.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does operative come from?
The word “operative” comes from Latin operativus, meaning “active” or “effective,” from operari, “to work” or “to operate.” It entered English through the language of medicine and law, where it referred to operations and their functioning rules. Its agent-related sense developed in modern intelligence and police usage. Related English forms include “operate,” “operation,” “operator,” and “operational.”
Related word forms
How operative is actually used
In general use, “operative” often suggests that something is functioning or has the authority to take effect. Its noun senses are especially associated with intelligence, espionage, law enforcement, and organized operations. In grammar, it refers to a verb expressing an operation, such as “add” or “remove.”
Easily confused with operative
An operative is someone who carries out an operation or acts as an agent, whereas a cooperative is an organization or group owned and managed jointly by its members.
Operating commonly describes the process or manner of performing a function, while operative can also mean a person serving as an agent or informer.