The treatment sometimes works, but the operative word is ‘sometimes’.
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I was in love with her—‘was’ being the operative word.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.
(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 … New idioms dictionary
the operative word — used for referring to the most important word in a sentence The treatment sometimes works, but the operative word is sometimes … English dictionary
operative — [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.… … English World dictionary
operative — [[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… … English dictionary
word — {{Roman}}I.{{/Roman}} noun 1 unit of language ADJECTIVE ▪ two letter, three letter, etc. ▪ monosyllabic, polysyllabic ▪ two syllable, three syllable … Collocations dictionary
operative — 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… … Dictionary of contemporary English
word — [[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… … English dictionary
operative — 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… … Longman dictionary of contemporary English
operative — /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.… …
operative — I UK [ˈɒp(ə)rətɪv] / US [ˈɑp(ə)rətɪv] adjective working correctly and having the right effect • the operative word II UK [ˈɒp(ə)rətɪv] / US [ˈɑp(ə)rətɪv] noun [countable] Word forms operative : singular operative plural operatives 1) someone who… … English dictionary
