Synonyms for operant


Grammar : Noun
Spell : op-er-uh nt
Phonetic Transcription : ˈɒp ər ənt


Définition of operant

Origin :
  • "that works," early 15c., from Latin operantem (nominative operans), present participle of operari "to work" (see operation). Psychological sense of "involving behavior modification" coined 1937 by U.S. psychologist B.F. Skinner (e.g. operant conditioning, 1938, Skinner).
  • As in operator : noun one who operates a machine
Example sentences :
  • A permanent revulsion was operant in her, which intensified as time wore on.
  • Extract from : « A Group of Noble Dames » by Thomas Hardy
  • The operant will to get rid of them would be baptized with a fire that should burn them up.
  • Extract from : « Hope of the Gospel » by George MacDonald
  • No conscious courage was operant in me; simply, I was not afraid.
  • Extract from : « Lilith » by George MacDonald
  • Thus, within one individual both parasitic and predatory behavior are operant during different stages of its life history.
  • Extract from : « The Biotic Associations of Cockroaches » by Louis M. Roth
  • Their religion was simply patriotism, but it was quite as operant and effective as Christian piety has ever been.
  • Extract from : « Arrows of Freethought » by George W. Foote
  • Feelings are associated with one another according as they have been operant in more or less frequent succession.
  • Extract from : « The Browning Cyclopdia » by Edward Berdoe

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Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019