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Operates: meaning, definitions and examples

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operates

 

[ˈɒpəreɪts ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

business

To operate means to control the functioning of something, such as a machine, organization, or system.

Synonyms

control, manage, run.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
manage

This word is often used in business settings to refer to supervising, organizing, or handling tasks and responsibilities.

  • She manages a team of software developers
  • He has been tasked to manage the project
run

This word is versatile and can be used informally to mean the same as manage or operate, typically referring to businesses or activities.

  • She runs the local bakery
  • They run a charity organization
control

This word suggests exerting authority or power over something to direct its behavior or course.

  • He controls the entire operation
  • It is important to control the temperature in this experiment

Examples of usage

  • The company operates a chain of restaurants across the country.
  • The technician operates the complex machinery with precision.
Context #2 | Verb

medical

To operate also means to perform surgery on a patient.

Synonyms

perform surgery, surgically intervene.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
operates

This seems to be a duplicate. The context and examples would be the same as the previous entry.

  • The doctor operates on patients twice a week
  • The machine operates smoothly even after hours of use
surgically intervene

Used in formal contexts to describe a situation where a surgical procedure is necessary, often to emphasize the critical or precise nature of the intervention.

  • The doctors decided to surgically intervene to save the patient's life
  • If the condition worsens, we may need to surgically intervene
perform surgery

Specifically refers to a doctor carrying out a surgical procedure.

  • The skilled surgeon will perform surgery to remove the tumor
  • Doctors often perform surgery in sterile environments to prevent infection

Examples of usage

  • The surgeon will operate on the patient's knee tomorrow morning.
  • The doctor operated on the patient's heart successfully.
Context #3 | Noun

aviation

In aviation, an operation refers to a planned flight by an airline.

Synonyms

airline operation, flight service.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
operates

Useful when discussing the functioning or running of an airline or its flights. It implies active involvement in managing flights or services.

  • The airline operates daily flights to New York.
  • This company operates a fleet of 50 aircraft.
flight service

Ideal for referring to the services provided directly on flights, such as food, beverages, and customer care. It emphasizes passenger experience during the flight.

  • The flight service on this airline is top-notch.
  • They pride themselves on exceptional flight service.
airline operation

Suitable for speaking about the overall system or processes involved in running an airline. It encompasses scheduling, maintenance, and customer service.

  • The airline operation has been efficient despite the pandemic.
  • Improvements in airline operation have reduced delays significantly.

Examples of usage

  • The airline announced a new operation to a popular tourist destination.
  • The operations team ensures that all flights run smoothly.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'operari,' meaning 'to work or labor,' which shows its link to functioning.
  • In the 15th century, it was primarily used in contexts related to manual work or craftsmanship.
  • Over time, it evolved to include machinery and processes, reflecting advancements in technology.

Science

  • In biology, organisms operate through various systems, like respiration and digestion, to survive.
  • In physics, the concept of 'operation' can be applied to describe how forces act on objects.
  • The term is often used in programming, where code operates to create software applications.

Business

  • In the business world, companies operate under various models, like online retail or service-based strategies.
  • Effective management is crucial; how a business operates can determine its success or failure.
  • Strategic operations involve planning and executing activities to achieve organizational goals.

Technology

  • In computing, devices operate under an operating system that manages hardware and software resources.
  • The phrase 'operating system' refers to software that allows users to run applications on computers or smartphones.
  • Drones and robots are designed to operate autonomously or be controlled remotely by users.

Psychology

  • Human behavior operates on principles of motivation and reward, influencing decision-making processes.
  • Cognitive processes operate continuously, often without our conscious awareness, guiding our reactions.
  • The concept of 'self-regulation' refers to how individuals operate their emotions and behavior in different contexts.

Translations

Translations of the word "operates" in other languages:

🇵🇹 opera

🇮🇳 संचालित करता है

🇩🇪 betreibt

🇮🇩 mengoperasikan

🇺🇦 працює

🇵🇱 działa

🇯🇵 操作する

🇫🇷 opère

🇪🇸 opera

🇹🇷 işletir

🇰🇷 작동하다

🇸🇦 يعمل

🇨🇿 provozuje

🇸🇰 pôsobí

🇨🇳 操作

🇸🇮 deluje

🇮🇸 starfar

🇰🇿 жұмыс істейді

🇬🇪 მუშაობს

🇦🇿 fəaliyyət göstərir

🇲🇽 opera

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,285, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.