1
Core quality
Functioning, in effect, or having an active influence.
Example
Only two of the five sensors remained operative.
operative
/ˈɒpərətɪv/ · OP-uh-ruh-tivadjective
Functioning, in effect, or having an active influence.
Use operative to express this relationship precisely: functioning, in effect, or having an active influence.
What operative Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
The agreement becomes operative next month.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
Cost, rather than speed, was the operative consideration.
Use operative Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Only two of the five sensors remained operative.
The agreement becomes operative next month.
Cost, rather than speed, was the operative consideration.
Precision Matters
Operative overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
operative
vs.Means functioning, in effect, or having an active influence.
dormant
Means temporarily inactive, asleep, or not developing, though capable of becoming active again.
operative
vs.Means functioning, in effect, or having an active influence.
in effect
Means state what something amounts to in practice or restate its essential implication.
operative
vs.Means functioning, in effect, or having an active influence.
relevant
Means directly connected to or useful for the matter being considered.
operative
vs.Means functioning, in effect, or having an active influence.
imperative
Means vitally important, urgent, or necessary.
Test operative in Context
The instrument began functioning and having effect.
1
Once the replacement battery was installed, the instrument became fully ___.