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
Sharon	['ʃærən]
Boele	-	Dutch
Gaioz	-	Georgian
Bohuslav	bo-hoo-SLAHV (Ukrainian)	Czech, Slovak, Ukrainian
Riccardo	-	Italian
Musa	-	Arabic, Turkish, Persian