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Having the power of acting; hence, exerting force, physical or moral; active in the production of effects.
an operative motive
1692–1717, Robert South, Twelve Sermons Preached upon Several Occasions, 6th edition, volumes (please specify |volume=I to VI), London: J Bettenham, for Jonah Bowyer,, published 1727, →OCLC:
It holds in all operative principles.
1988 April 2, Phillip Brian Harper, “Lesbians and gay men of color, speak out!”, in Gay Community News, page 9:
This call is operative not merely on the level of abstract theory.
Producing the appropriate or designed effect; efficacious.
an operative dose, rule, or penalty
Based upon, or consisting of, a surgical operation or operations.