Word
operate
Phoneticsop·er·ate, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɑpɝˌeɪt/
UK/ˈɒpəɹˌeɪt/
Definitions
01to function
B1 · Intermediate
v. to work or run in a specific way.
v. to function or work according to a particular principle or mechanism.
日本語:動く※
“The new heating system operates much more quietly than the old one.”
“The underground network operates on a strictly automated schedule, ensuring that trains arrive at three-minute intervals during peak hours.”
Usage
Often used with adverbs like 'efficiently', 'smoothly', or 'automatically'.
02to control a machine
B1 · Intermediate
v. to use or control a piece of equipment or a machine.
v. to control the functioning of a machine, process, or system. Transitive when referring to the machine being controlled.
日本語:操作する※
“You must be trained before you are allowed to operate this heavy machinery.”
“The technician demonstrated how to operate the high-precision laser without damaging the delicate internal components.”
Usage
Takes a direct object representing the machine or system.
03medical surgery
B2 · Upper Intermediate Medicine
v. to cut into a person's body to fix a medical problem.
v. to perform a surgical procedure on a patient. Intransitive when used with 'on'; occasionally transitive in technical medical contexts.
日本語:オペする※
“The surgeons had to operate on his leg immediately after the accident.”
“The surgical team decided to operate on the patient's heart only after stabilizing his blood pressure and reviewing the latest scans.”
Usage
Typically takes the preposition 'on' followed by the patient or the body part.
Pitfall
The 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.
Synonyms
04to run a business
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to manage or conduct a business or organization.
v. to conduct or manage the affairs of a business, organization, or project.
“The company operates several branches across the country.”
“The non-profit organization operates under a strict transparency policy to ensure all donations are tracked and reported accurately.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “operate” in context.
Adverb
01. successfully operate
“The surgeon was able to successfully operate on the patient despite the complications.”
adv + verb
Real-World Examples
“It added that soldiers would not operate inside the Palestinian home that had been subject to the settler's siege.” “They typically do not operate in smaller towns, rural regions or on the islands, however, so don’t rely on them in these areas.” Etymology
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.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/operate
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0