"producing the intended effect," early 15c., from Old French operatif (14c.) or directly from Late Latin operativus "creative, formative," from operat-, past participle stem of operari (see operation). Weakened sense of "significant, important" is from 1955.
"worker, operator," 1809, from operative (adj.); sense of "secret agent, spy" is first attested 1930, probably from its use by the Pinkerton Detective Agency as a title for their private detectives (1905).
双语例句
1. Her aggressive moods alternated with gentle or more co-operative states.
她情绪多变，时而咄咄逼人，时而又显得温柔平和或乐于合作。
来自柯林斯例句
2. The Youth Training Scheme was operative by the end of 1983.
青年培训计划一直持续到1983年底。
来自柯林斯例句
3. They decided a housing co-operative was the way to regenerate Ormiston Crescent.
