Operative: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.