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Operative: meaning, definitions and examples

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operative

[ˈɒpərətɪv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

medical

Relating to or involving surgical operations or procedures.

Synonyms

medical, operational, surgical.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
operative

Similar to the first entry for 'operative', but emphasis can also be on the context of being involved in covert or undercover activities.

  • The CIA operative gathered crucial intelligence.
  • Anti-terrorist operative teams were deployed.
surgical

Describes anything related to surgery or operations performed by a surgeon. It can also metaphorically describe precision and accuracy.

  • He specializes in surgical procedures.
  • The military made a surgical strike to minimize collateral damage.
medical

Refers to anything related to the field of medicine or healthcare.

  • She is studying medical sciences at university.
  • They gave him medical treatment after the accident.
operational

Used to describe something that is ready for use, functioning, or in operation, particularly in a business or military context.

  • The new software is now fully operational.
  • The military base will be operational by next week.

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.
Context #2 | Noun

intelligence

A person who works for a secret service or intelligence agency.

Synonyms

agent, mole, spy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

  • The operative managed to infiltrate the group without raising suspicion.
  • An undercover operative was planted within the criminal organization to gather evidence.
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.

  • She was promoted to the rank of agent after years of service.
  • The agent received vital information from an informant.
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.

  • The spy was captured while trying to steal classified documents.
  • He lived a double life as a spy for years without being discovered.
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.

  • They discovered a mole within their ranks who had been leaking information for years.
  • The mole jeopardized the entire operation by revealing confidential plans.

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

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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.