operator
- 01 B1 Intermediate
someone whose job is to use and control a machine or a piece of equipment.
a person who operates a specific machine, device, or system as their primary function.
Simple“The crane operator moved the heavy steel beams with great care.”
In context“The factory requires a skilled operator to monitor the automated assembly line and intervene if the sensors detect a fault.”
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
a company that provides a public service, like transport or phones.
an organisation or business entity that manages and provides a specific utility or service.
Simple“You should check with your mobile network operator about roaming charges.”
In context“The regional rail operator announced a new schedule to accommodate the increased volume of commuters during the summer months.”
- 03 B1 Intermediate
a person who helps you make a phone call or gives you information over the phone.
a telecommunications professional who assists callers with connections, directory enquiries, or emergency services.
Simple“I couldn't find the number, so I called the operator for help.”
In context“In the early days of telephony, every call had to be manually patched through by a central operator at a switchboard.”
Synonymstelephonistdispatcher - 04 C1 Advanced
someone who is very good at making deals or getting what they want, sometimes in a dishonest way.
a person who is adept at manipulating situations or people to achieve their goals, often implying a lack of scruples.
Simple“Watch out for him in business meetings; he is a smooth operator.”
In context“The CEO was known as a shrewd operator who could navigate complex political landscapes to secure the most profitable contracts for his firm.”
Synonyms - 05 C1 Advanced
a symbol in math or computer code that shows an action, like plus (+) or minus (-).
a character or symbol representing a specific mathematical or logical process or transformation.
Simple“The plus sign is a basic mathematical operator used for addition.”
In context“The programmer used a logical operator to ensure the code only executed when both conditions were met simultaneously.”
- 06 C1 Advanced
a member of a highly trained special forces military unit.
a member of a special operations unit, typically within a military or intelligence framework.
Simple“The mission was carried out by a team of elite special forces operators.”
In context“As a highly trained operator, he was expected to maintain peak physical condition and master a wide array of tactical equipment.”
Synonyms
“Eurotunnel, operator of LeShuttle, takes vehicles on the cross-Channel route.”
“Most train operators have banned e-scooters on board for this reason.”
Borrowed from Latin operātor, from operor (“work, labour”). Equivalent to operate + -or.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.