Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In a manner that produces an effect or result; effectively; in a way that is in force or functioning. The word describes how an action is performed so that it achieves its intended purpose or how a condition is actively in effect.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • The new law is now operatively in force, changing how businesses must report their taxes.
  • The surgeon worked operatively to remove the tumor, ensuring minimal damage to surrounding tissue.
  • The two departments must work operatively together to solve this complex issue.

Advanced Usage

• Used in legal or formal contexts: To indicate that a rule, law, or agreement is actively functioning and being applied.
  • The treaty became operatively binding on all signatory nations last month.
• Used in medical/surgical contexts: To specify that a procedure involves or is performed by surgical operation.
  • The condition was treated operatively rather than with medication.

Variants and Related Words

• Operative (adjective): Functioning, having effect; or relating to surgery.
  • The operative word in his statement was "potentially".
  • The patient is in the operative room.
• Operate (verb): To function or to perform a surgery.
  • The machine operates quietly.
  • The doctor will operate on the patient's knee.

Synonyms

• Effectively: In a way that produces a desired or intended result.
• Functionally: In a way that relates to the purpose something is designed for.
• Actively: In a way that involves action or participation.

Antonyms

• Inoperatively: In a manner that is not functioning or not in effect.
• Ineffectively: In a way that does not produce the desired result.

Related Phrases

• To be operatively involved: To be actively and effectively participating in a process.
  • She was operatively involved in the project's planning stages.
• Operatively defined: (In technical/scientific writing) Defined in terms of the specific operations or procedures used to measure or identify it.
  • In this study, "stress" was operatively defined as the participant's heart rate under test conditions.

Adverb

1. in a manner to produce an effect