operative word
1(the) operative word — the operative word phrase used for referring to the most important word in a sentence The treatment sometimes works, but the operative word is ‘sometimes’. Thesaurus: types of wordhyponym Main entry: operative * * * the operative word idiom used… …
2(the) operative word — the most important word in a phrase, which explains the truth of a situation. He wants more time for his private life, private being the operative word. Photographers are not allowed anywhere near his family …
3the operative word — used for referring to the most important word in a sentence The treatment sometimes works, but the operative word is sometimes …
4operative — [äp′ə rə tiv΄, äp′ə rāt΄iv] adj. [Fr opératif < LL(Ec) operativus] 1. capable of, characterized by, or in operation 2. a) accomplishing what is desired; effective b) of primary importance; key; essential [the operative word in a sentence] 3.… …
5operative — [[t]ɒ̱pərətɪv[/t]] operatives 1) ADJ: usu v link ADJ A system or service that is operative is working or having an effect. [FORMAL] The commercial telephone service was no longer operative... The Youth Training Scheme was operative by the end of… …
6operative — 1 adjective 1 working and able to be used: We had only one radar station operative. | operative missiles compare operational (1) 2 the operative word used when you repeat a word from a previous sentence to draw attention to its importance: He is… …
7operative — op|e|ra|tive1 [ˈɔpərətıv US ˈa:pərə , ˈa:pəreı ] adj 1.) working and able to be used ≠ ↑inoperative ▪ Only one runway is operative. ▪ the steps to be taken before the scheme can become operative →↑operational 2.) the operative word used when you… …
8word — {{Roman}}I.{{/Roman}} noun 1 unit of language ADJECTIVE ▪ two letter, three letter, etc. ▪ monosyllabic, polysyllabic ▪ two syllable, three syllable …
9word — [[t]wɜ͟ː(r)d[/t]] ♦ words, wording, worded 1) N COUNT A word is a single unit of language that can be represented in writing or speech. In English, a word has a space on either side of it when it is written. The words stood out clearly on the… …
10operative — /ˈɒpərətɪv / (say opuhruhtiv), /ˈɒprə / (say opruh ) noun 1. a worker; one engaged, employed, or skilled in some branch of work, especially productive or industrial work; a labourer, artisan, or factory hand. 2. US a secret agent; detective.… …
