the operative word

the most important word in a phrase, which explains the truth of a situation He wants more time for his private life, private being the operative word. Photographers are not allowed anywhere near his family.

Common Names:

Name	Pronounced	Usage
Piripi	-	Maori
RÁ&Eth;ÚLfr	-	Ancient Scandinavian
Iacopo	-	Italian
Renata	re-NAH-tah (Italian, Spanish, German, Polish)	Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Polish, Czech, Croatian, Slovene, Late Roman
Kailey	KAY-lee	English (Modern)
Kerneels	-	Dutch