operative
Definitions
In effect, working, or functioning; most relevant or significant.
有效的，起作用的；关键的。
A worker, especially a skilled one; a secret agent or spy.
（熟练）工人；特工，密探。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedoper (work) + -ive (tending to) = 'working, in effect.' As an adjective it means actively functioning, hence 'the operative word' (the word that is actually doing the work in a sentence). As a noun it shifted to mean a worker, then a covert agent — someone working in the field.
Root oper still carries 16 more wordsWhy It Means This
The phrase 'the operative word' is worth knowing: it means the key word that carries the real meaning, as in 'It's affordable — and affordable is the operative word.' The noun sense (a spy or agent) is common in thrillers: a CIA operative is literally 'someone working' undercover.
Example Sentences
- 1.
It might work — and 'might' is the operative word.
- 2.
The agency sent an operative to gather intelligence.