Operative: meaning, definitions and examples
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operative
[ˈɒpərətɪv ]
Definitions
medical
Relating to or involving surgical operations or procedures.
Synonyms
medical, operational, surgical.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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operative |
Similar to the first entry for 'operative', but emphasis can also be on the context of being involved in covert or undercover activities.
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surgical |
Describes anything related to surgery or operations performed by a surgeon. It can also metaphorically describe precision and accuracy.
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medical |
Refers to anything related to the field of medicine or healthcare.
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operational |
Used to describe something that is ready for use, functioning, or in operation, particularly in a business or military context.
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Examples of usage
- The patient was taken to the operative room for emergency surgery.
- The doctor explained the operative risks to the patient.
- The nurse prepared the instruments for the operative procedure.
intelligence
A person who works for a secret service or intelligence agency.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
operative |
Used mainly to describe a person who works secretly, often for a government or military organization. This term is general and does not inherently suggest illegal action.
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agent |
Commonly used to describe a person who acts on behalf of an organization, especially in roles related to intelligence or law enforcement. The term can be used in both formal and casual contexts.
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spy |
Generally used to describe someone who secretly collects information, especially for a government. The term can have a dramatic or romantic connotation and is often used in media and entertainment.
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mole |
Refers to a person who is secretly working within an organization to pass information to a rival or enemy. This term often carries negative connotations and implies betrayal.
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Examples of usage
- The operatives gathered information on the enemy's activities.
- She was recruited as an operative for the CIA.
- The operatives infiltrated the terrorist cell.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'operari', which means 'to work' or 'to operate'.
- It has been used in English since the early 15th century, initially to describe a person who performs work.
- In the late 19th century, it started being associated with secret agents and intelligence work.
Pop Culture
- The term is often used in espionage-themed movies and literature to describe spies and agents.
- In the video game series 'Metal Gear', operatives play key roles in covert operations to prevent global threats.
- Popular TV shows like 'Alias' and '24' feature characters who are skilled operatives, involved in high-stakes missions.
Science
- In psychology, an operative can refer to an individual engaged in purposeful behavior aimed at achieving specific goals.
- The concept of operant conditioning, developed by B.F. Skinner, relies on the actions of operatives to modify behavior through rewards or punishments.
- In technology, operative systems manage the interaction between users and computer hardware, ensuring tasks are completed effectively.
History
- During World War II, covert operatives were crucial in gathering intelligence and executing secret missions.
- The Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the predecessor to the CIA, was filled with operatives who trained in sabotage, guerrilla warfare, and espionage.
- Famous operatives like Virginia Hall were instrumental in the Allied efforts, making significant contributions despite being underestimated by their adversaries.
Translations
🇵🇹 operativo
🇮🇳 संचालित
🇩🇪 betriebsbereit
🇮🇩 operasional
🇺🇦 оперативний
🇵🇱 operacyjny
🇯🇵 作動中の
🇫🇷 opérationnel
🇪🇸 operativo
🇹🇷 işler durumda
🇰🇷 작동하는
🇸🇦 تشغيلي
🇨🇿 operační
🇸🇰 operačný
🇨🇳 操作的
🇸🇮 operativen
🇮🇸 í gangi
🇰🇿 жұмыс істейтін
🇬🇪 ოპერატიული
🇦🇿 əməliyyatlı
🇲🇽 operativo
Word Frequency Rank
Ranking #3,391, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.
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- 3388 personally
- 3389 prefer
- 3390 threatened
- 3391 operative
- 3392 moon
- 3393 bones
- 3394 platform
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