WordGarden.iooperate
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈɒpərˌeɪt/
US
- /ˈɑpərˌeɪt/
Meanings
Verb
to control or use a machine, vehicle, or system so that it works
to work or function in a particular way
to run or manage a business, service, or organization
More meaningsFewer meanings
to perform surgery on someone
Beyond the definition
To operate something means to make it work, control it, or run it. A doctor operates on a patient, carefully working inside the body to fix a problem. But you can also operate a machine like a car or a computer, controlling how it works. Even businesses operate; they run their daily activities and use their resources to reach their goals. Think of a puppet master controlling puppets; every movement depends on that careful guidance.
The word "operate" comes from the Latin operari, meaning "to work." So if something is operational, it is ready to work. If you need surgery, you will have an operation done by a skilled surgeon. And sometimes, the word means being active or having an effect: "The new rule will operate next month."
The word "operate" has several meanings, all revolving around the idea of making something function or work effectively. At its core, to operate is to perform a task or process—often involving skill and control.
Most commonly, we think of "operating" in relation to machines. You operate a car by steering, accelerating, and braking. You operate a computer using the keyboard and mouse. This implies controlling the functions of something mechanical or digital.
However, "operate" also has a crucial meaning in the medical field. A surgeon operates on a patient to repair damage or remove disease—this is a complex procedure requiring precision and expertise.
Beyond physical actions, "operate" can describe how businesses or organizations function. Companies operate by managing resources, making decisions, and pursuing profits. It can also describe rules, systems, or forces that are active and having an effect. For example: "The new safety regulations will operate from January 1."
Finally, "operate" can mean to have a specific effect or influence. The phrase "fear operated on his mind" suggests that fear was the driving force controlling his thoughts and actions.
So, whether it's driving a car, performing surgery, running a business, enforcing laws, or influencing someone's emotions—to operate is about making something work, managing its functions, or exerting control over a process or situation.
Examples
- 1
Machine use
Can you operate this coffee machine?
- 2
Service status
The elevator is not operating today.
- 3
Hotel business
The company operates three hotels in the city.
- 4
Flight routes
The airline operates flights between Boston and Toronto.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Surgery
Doctors operated on his knee last week.
- Patternoperate on + person/body part
do surgery on that person or body part
- 6
Budget limits
The team has to operate within a very small budget.
- Patternoperate within + limits
work while staying inside those limits
- 7
Business name
The store operates under a different name online.
- Patternoperate under + name
use that name in business or public work
- 8
Guiding principle
The charity operates on the idea that everyone deserves a safe place to sleep.
- Patternoperate on + idea/principle
base its work on that idea
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- shut down
- neglect
Used with (collocations)
- operate machinery
- operate a business
- operate a system
- operate under rules
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- operateverb
Forms
- operating-ing formverb
- operatedpast tenseverb
- operatesverb