Operative
What it means
Working effectively and ready to serve its purpose.
Reach for it when describing a rule, factor, or device as currently working or effective
The backup generator remained operative throughout the storm.
Words to choose between 6
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| professional | |
| formal |
|
-
everyday
Fits when the thing is presently engaged or enabled
Careful Active status can coexist with malfunction.
-
everyday
Fits when plain language should confirm function
Careful Working may mean employed rather than functional.
-
professional
Fits when the rule or factor produces its intended result
Careful Effective does not necessarily mean currently in force.
-
professional
Fits when equipment performs the required task
Careful Functional does not fit a legal clause.
-
professional
in force
Fits when a rule or agreement currently has legal effect
Careful Machinery cannot sensibly be described this way.
-
formal
Fits when a factor determines the outcome
Careful A decisive factor need not be mechanically operative.
Opposites 3
- inoperative
- ineffective
- dormant
Common phrases 3
-
fully operative
The backup generator remained fully operative during the storm.
-
operative provision
The operative provision takes effect at the start of May.
-
operative factor
Trust became the operative factor in the final decision.
Usage notes
Keep in mind
Operative has legal, causal, medical, and mechanical uses; a more specific alternative is often clearer.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated