operator, operative

operator, operative
An operator is someone who operates (works, handles) a machine, switchboard, or any kind of apparatus: "a switchboard operator," "a telegraph operator," "a Linotype operator." As a noun, operative also means "a worker engaged, employed, or skilled in some particular task." What small distinction exists lies in the fact that operative is usually applied to someone engaged in a more skilled or subtle task than an operator: "He is an operative in the Treasury Department." "This spy spent years as an operative behind the Iron Curtain." As an adjective, operative means "effective," "workable": "Ordinances in this city are fully operative."

Dictionary of problem words and expressions. . 1975.

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  • operative — See operator, operative …   Dictionary of problem words and expressions

  • operator — See operator, operative …   Dictionary of problem words and expressions

  • operative — (adj.) producing the intended effect, early 15c., from L.L. operativus creative, formative, from operat , pp. stem of operari (see OPERATION (Cf. operation)). Weakened sense of significant, important is from 1955. The noun meaning worker,… …   Etymology dictionary

  • operator — Synonyms and related words: Machiavellian, PBX operator, activist, actor, administrator, adventurer, agent, architect, author, ball of fire, beaver, behind the scenes operator, big operator, big wheel, big time operator, bustler, busy bee,… …   Moby Thesaurus

  • Operator No. 5 — The correct title of this article is Operator #5. The substitution or omission of the # sign is because of technical restrictions. Operator #5 Cover of issue #26, Death s Ragged Army, which began the Purple Invasion story arc. ©Argosy… …   Wikipedia

  • operative — 1. adjective 1) this piece of legislation is not yet operative Syn: in force, in operation, in effect, valid Ant: invalid 2) most of our antique machinery is operative See operational 3) …   Thesaurus of popular words

  • operative — I. adjective Date: 15th century 1. a. producing an appropriate effect ; efficacious b. most significant or essential < the operative word in a phrase > 2. exerting force or influence ; operating 3 …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • operative — 1. adjective 1) the steam railway is operative Syn: running, up and running, working, functioning, operational, in operation, in use, in action, in effect 2) the operative word Syn: key …   Synonyms and antonyms dictionary

  • operator — n 1. doer, performer., actor, executor, operative, operant; worker, handler, manipulator, practitioner. 2. telephone operator, switchboard operator, PBX operator, Obs. central. 3.Slang. maneuverer, machinator, Inf. finagler, Inf. wire puller, Sl …   A Note on the Style of the synonym finder

  • operator — I (New American Roget s College Thesaurus) n. worker, handler; speculator. See communication, agency, exertion. II (Roget s IV) n. 1. [One who operates a machine] Syn. engineer, driver, operative, operant, skilled employee, trained employee; see… …   English dictionary for students

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