operate
- 01 B1 Intermediate
to work or run in a specific way.
to function or work according to a particular principle or mechanism.
Simple“The new heating system operates much more quietly than the old one.”
In context“The underground network operates on a strictly automated schedule, ensuring that trains arrive at three-minute intervals during peak hours.”
UsageOften used with adverbs like 'efficiently', 'smoothly', or 'automatically'.
- 02 B1 Intermediate
to use or control a piece of equipment or a machine.
to control the functioning of a machine, process, or system. Transitive when referring to the machine being controlled.
Simple“You must be trained before you are allowed to operate this heavy machinery.”
In context“The technician demonstrated how to operate the high-precision laser without damaging the delicate internal components.”
UsageTakes a direct object representing the machine or system.
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
to cut into a person's body to fix a medical problem.
to perform a surgical procedure on a patient. Intransitive when used with 'on'; occasionally transitive in technical medical contexts.
Simple“The surgeons had to operate on his leg immediately after the accident.”
In context“The surgical team decided to operate on the patient's heart only after stabilizing his blood pressure and reviewing the latest scans.”
UsageTypically takes the preposition 'on' followed by the patient or the body part.
PitfallThe doctor operated the patient yesterday. The doctor operated on the patient yesterday.In general English, you must use the preposition 'on' before the person receiving the surgery.
Synonymsperform surgery - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
to manage or conduct a business or organization.
to conduct or manage the affairs of a business, organization, or project.
Simple“The company operates several branches across the country.”
In context“The non-profit organization operates under a strict transparency policy to ensure all donations are tracked and reported accurately.”
Usage operate together · successfully operate
From Latin operātus, perfect passive participle of operor (“to work, labor, toil, have effect”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.