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How to pronounce Operative

How to Pronounce "Operative"

Definition: How to say "Operative" and use it in a sentence

Phonetic Spelling:

ˈɑːpəreɪtɪv – pronounced as AH-puh-ray-tiv

How to say "Operative" correctly

Understanding the meanings of Operative.

  • A person who works for a government or other organization, especially one who collects information about the activities of others
  • A person who is trained to do a particular job; especially one that involves using tools or machinery
  • Involving or relating to practical actions, especially in a work environment
  • Being in effect or operation
  • A surgical procedure

Practice using Operative in a sentence:

  • The operative was tasked with gathering intelligence on the enemy’s movements.
  • The factory had several skilled operatives who could operate the heavy machinery.
  • The operative approach to problem-solving focuses on practical solutions.
  • The new security measures are now fully operative.
  • The patient underwent a successful operative to remove the tumor.

Words close in sound to Operative:

Operator, Operation, Operate, Operational, Operating, Operationally, Opera, Opera house, Opera singer, Operatic,

Synonyms for Operative

Agent, Operative, Worker, Employee, Operative, Operative, Operative, Operative, Operative, Operative,

Antonyms for Operative

Nonoperative, Inactive, Unproductive, Ineffective, Inefficient,

Review Operative
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Ways you can pronounce English words better

Here are a couple of techniques that should help you perfect your pronunciation of ‘Operative‘:

  • Break ‘Operative’ down into each vowel, say it out loud whilst exaggerating each sound until you can consistently repeat it without making a mistake.
  • Try to record yourself saying ‘Operative‘ in full sentences and then listen back. You’ll be able to mark your flaws quite easily.
  • Find more videos on Youtube on how to pronounce ‘Operative‘ correctly.
  • Target a single accent: mixing multiple accents can sometimes get really confusing, and not just beginners. So pick just one accent, perhaps US and stick to it.


A few more ideas to boost your English pronunciation skills, we recommend learn the following techniques:

Practicing contraction and abbreviation in speech is normal in the U.S. and is viewed as a natural part of informal dialogue. For instance, changing “what are you going to do this weekend” to “what you gonna do this weekend” is standard practice. Explore terms like ‘gonna’ and ‘wanna’ for additional understanding.

Improving your intonation is crucial for English fluency. The patterns of stress, rhythm, and pitch in English are crucial in conveying your message and feelings. Numerous resources and videos on Youtube can assist you in learning these components to pronounce ‘Operative’.

Engage with a number of Youtube channels dedicated to English learning. These platforms offer complimentary resources that tackle crucial language skills. Pronounce.tv is one more outstanding source for enhancing your pronunciation.

Copying native speakers can greatly improve your pronunciation. Listen to how they articulate ‘Operative’ and try to replicate the tone, speed, and rhythm in your speech, making it a part of your routine.

Incorporate phonetic exercises into your routine. Learning and practicing the phonetic sounds of English can help you improve your pronunciation of ‘Operative’.

Consistently speak English in your daily conversations. The more you speak, the more comfortable you’ll become with the nuances of pronunciation and accent, boosting your overall communication skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is operative word mean?

The term “operative word” is an idiom used to refer to the most crucial or significant word in a phrase that clarifies the true meaning or essence of a situation. In the example provided, the phrase “He was a painter” is followed by the clarification that “was” is the operative word, highlighting the fact that the individual in question is no longer alive. Essentially, the operative word is the key word that carries the main message or emphasis in a sentence or phrase.

Is ‘operative’ used more in formal or informal language?

The term “operative” is generally more commonly used in formal language rather than informal language. In formal contexts, “operative” is often used to describe something that is in effect or functioning, such as an operative procedure or operative word. It is also frequently used in legal, medical, and technical settings. In contrast, in informal language, people are more likely to use simpler, more casual terms to convey the same meaning. Therefore, while “operative” can be used in both formal and informal contexts, it is more prevalent and widely accepted in formal language.

Do prefixes or suffixes affect the pronunciation of the word ‘operative’?

In the case of the word ‘operative,’ neither prefixes nor suffixes affect the pronunciation of the root word. The pronunciation of ‘operative’ remains the same regardless of any prefixes or suffixes added to it. The stress in the word ‘operative’ falls on the second syllable, and this pronunciation remains consistent even if additional affixes are attached to the word. Prefixes and suffixes may change the meaning or grammatical function of the word, but they do not alter the pronunciation in this particular case.

Are there any related words with a similar pronunciation to ‘operative’?

One related word with a similar pronunciation to ‘operative’ is ‘operator.’ Although they are not synonyms, ‘operator’ is a word that shares a similar sound with ‘operative.’ ‘Operator’ refers to a person who operates a machine or a system, while ‘operative’ typically refers to a person who works in a specific capacity or performs a specific function. Despite their differences in meaning, both words have a similar pronunciation, making them somewhat related in terms of sound.

How do you use operative in a sentence?

The word “operative” can be used in a sentence to describe something that is functioning or in operation, such as in the sentence “The commercial telephone service was no longer operative.” It can also refer to a person who is actively involved in carrying out a specific task or mission, as in the sentence “Naturally the CIA wants to protect its operatives.” In this context, an operative is someone who is working on behalf of an organization or agency to achieve a particular goal. Additionally, “operative” can also be used to describe a machine or device that is functioning automatically or without human intervention, as in the sentence “In an automated car plant there is not a human operative to be seen.”

How do you pronounce the word operative?

The word “operative” is pronounced as “AH-puh-rey-tiv.” The stress is on the second syllable, “puh.” The first syllable is pronounced as a short “ah” sound, similar to the “a” in “cat.” The final syllable is pronounced as “tiv,” with a short “i” sound. Overall, the word should be pronounced with equal emphasis on each syllable, and the “o” in the first syllable is pronounced as a schwa sound.

What is the phonetic transcription of the word ‘operative’?

The phonetic transcription of the word ‘operative’ is /ˈɑːpərətɪv/. In this transcription, the symbol /ˈ/ represents the primary stress on the first syllable ‘op’, while the symbol /ə/ represents the schwa sound in the second syllable ‘er’. The symbol /r/ represents the ‘r’ sound, and the symbol /ɪv/ represents the ‘iv’ sound in the last syllable ‘tive’. Overall, the phonetic transcription provides a detailed representation of how the word ‘operative’ is pronounced, helping individuals understand the pronunciation accurately.

What is the origin of the word ‘operative’?

The word “operative” has its origins in Latin. It comes from the Latin word “operativus,” which is derived from the verb “operari,” meaning “to work.” The term has been used in English since the late 16th century, originally to refer to someone who works or operates machinery. Over time, the meaning of the word has evolved to encompass a broader range of activities, including someone who is effective or productive in their work. Today, “operative” is often used to describe someone who is actively engaged in carrying out tasks or operations, particularly in a professional or organizational context.

Is the emphasis placed on a different syllable in the word ‘operative’ based on its usage?

Yes, the emphasis placed on a different syllable in the word ‘operative’ can vary based on its usage. In general, the word ‘operative’ is typically pronounced with the emphasis on the second syllable, making it sound like “OP-er-uh-tiv.” However, in certain contexts or depending on regional accents, the emphasis may shift to the first syllable, making it sound like “op-ER-uh-tiv.” The pronunciation can also change based on whether the word is being used as a noun or an adjective. Overall, the emphasis in pronunciation can be influenced by factors such as dialect, context, and individual speech patterns.

Is the pronunciation of ‘operative’ different in British and American English?

Yes, the pronunciation of ‘operative’ can vary between British and American English. In British English, the word is typically pronounced as “OP-uh-ruh-tiv,” with the emphasis on the second syllable. In American English, the pronunciation is often “AH-puh-rey-tiv,” with the emphasis on the first syllable. The difference in pronunciation is mainly due to variations in accent and vowel sounds between the two dialects. Ultimately, both pronunciations are considered correct and acceptable in their respective regions.

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