Operate: meaning, definitions and examples

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operate

 

[ ˈɒpəreɪt ]

Verb / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Verb

business

To perform a function or a series of functions. To work in a particular way or perform a particular action.

Synonyms

function, run, work

Examples of usage

  • The company operates in over 50 countries worldwide.
  • The machine operates using advanced technology.
  • The team operates efficiently under pressure.
Context #2 | Verb

medicine

To perform surgery on a patient. To carry out a medical procedure.

Synonyms

conduct operation, perform surgery

Examples of usage

  • The surgeon will operate on the patient tomorrow morning.
  • The doctor operated on the injured athlete immediately after the accident.
Context #3 | Noun

military

A planned military or police action, especially a strategic or covert one.

Synonyms

campaign, maneuver, mission

Examples of usage

  • The special forces conducted a covert operation to rescue the hostages.
  • The military operation was successful in neutralizing the enemy forces.

Translations

Translations of the word "operate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 operar

🇮🇳 संचालित करना

🇩🇪 operieren

🇮🇩 mengoperasikan

🇺🇦 оперувати

🇵🇱 operować

🇯🇵 操作する (sousa suru)

🇫🇷 opérer

🇪🇸 operar

🇹🇷 işletmek

🇰🇷 작동하다 (jakdonghada)

🇸🇦 تشغيل

🇨🇿 operovat

🇸🇰 operovať

🇨🇳 操作 (cāozuò)

🇸🇮 operirati

🇮🇸 starfa

🇰🇿 жұмыс істеу

🇬🇪 ოპერირება

🇦🇿 əməliyyat etmək

🇲🇽 operar

Etymology

The word 'operate' originated from the Latin word 'operatus', past participle of 'operari' meaning 'to work, labor, toil, take pains, be at work'. The term has evolved over time to encompass various meanings related to performing functions, surgeries, military actions, and more.

See also: cooperate, inoperable, interoperable, operability, operable, operated, operates, operating, operation, operational, operationally, operations, operative.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,750, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.