operatiu

Operatiu is a Catalan adjective and, less commonly, a noun used to describe something that is related to an operation or that is functioning and ready to be used. In everyday language it most often conveys the idea of practicality and immediate applicability, rather than an abstract concept. The feminine form is operativa and the plural is operatius or operatives, depending on gender and number of the noun it modifies.

Etymology and related forms come from the root operació (operation) and the verb operar (to operate). The suffix -iu forms the adjective operatiu, meaning operational or operative. The term is widely used across domains such as business, technology, law enforcement, and military planning to denote actions or infrastructures that are active, implementable, or deployed.

Usage in different domains:

- Law enforcement or military context: an operatiu policial or operatiu militar refers to a coordinated set of actions or a planned operation.

- Technology and IT: in Catalan, sistema operatiu refers to an operating system, while not all contexts use operatiu as a noun; it more commonly appears as an adjective describing functionality.

- Business and management: infraestructures, processes, or teams described as operatives or operatives emphasize readiness and practical execution.

In summary, operatiu designates the functional or implemented aspect of a plan, system, or action, and it contrasts with theoretical or non-deployed concepts. Related terms include operació (operation) and operativitat (operativity or operability).