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
Wilfri&Eth;	-	Anglo-Saxon
Muireall	-	Scottish
Eustaquio	e-oo-STAH-kyo (Spanish)	Spanish, Portuguese
Glendower	-	Welsh
ÁSgeir	-	Icelandic
Chinedu	-	Western African, Igbo