operative
/ˈɑpərətɪv/
noun
- A person who works as a spy, detective, or secret agent.
- The detective hired a private operative to follow the suspect.
- The CIA operative was stationed overseas for three years.
- In the movie, the operative infiltrates the enemy organization.
- A skilled worker, especially in a factory or industrial setting.
- She started as a textile operative and later became a supervisor.
- The factory employs over 200 machine operatives.
- The operative checked the assembly line for defects.
adjective
- In effect; functioning or working.
- Is the heating system operative yet?
- The agreement is operative as soon as both parties sign.
- The new law becomes operative on January 1st.
- Most important or relevant in a particular situation.
- In this case, the operative word is 'temporary'.
- The operative phrase in the contract is 'subject to approval'.
- When he said 'maybe,' the operative part was his hesitation.
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