operative
When used as an adjective, "operative" is often used in formal or legal contexts to describe rules, laws, or agreements that are now active. As a noun, the word has two very different meanings: one refers to a regular worker (common in British English), and the other refers to a secret agent. Be careful with the context to avoid confusion between a factory worker and a spy.
💬Casual Conversation
Sir, the board is breathing down my neck. Is the new policy even operative yet?
Patience, Jessica. A seed only sprouts when the cosmos deems it so.
Meanings
Functioning, in effect, or currently applicable.
"The new safety regulations become operative starting next Monday."
Producing a desired or intended effect; effective.
"The treatment proved to be operative in reducing the symptoms of the disease."
A worker, especially one performing unskilled manual labor.
"The factory employs over five hundred machine operatives."
A secret agent or spy.
"The intelligence agency deployed an operative to infiltrate the organization."