Operation: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word in a medical or technical setting where a specific task or activity is being carried out, such as surgery or machine functions.

• The patient had a successful operation to remove the tumor.
• The engineers began the operation to repair the machinery.

Best used to describe a series of actions or steps taken to achieve a particular end, usually in a general sense and not as formal as 'procedure'.

• Measuring ingredients is part of the baking process.
• The hiring process can take several weeks.

Appropriate for formal or standardized methods, often in a medical, legal, or organizational setup. It can refer to a series of actions conducted in a certain order.

• The doctor explained the procedure before starting the surgery.
• The company has a strict procedure for handling customer complaints.

This word fits well in mathematical or financial contexts where numbers are involved, like solving a math problem or figuring out costs.

• The mathematician made a quick calculation to solve the equation.
• He did a careful calculation of his monthly expenses.

This term can be used in both general and medical contexts. In medicine, it refers to a planned process to treat injuries, diseases, or deformities. In other contexts, it might mean any organized activity or business process.

• The patient needs an operation to remove the tumor.
• The company's operation was affected by the recent changes in regulations.

This term is used specifically in medical contexts to refer to the branch of medicine dealing with surgeries or an actual act of performing surgery.

• He specializes in heart surgery.
• The surgery was successful and the patient is recovering well.

This word is used in both medical and non-medical contexts. In a medical setting, it refers to a specific medical treatment or diagnostic process. Outside of medicine, it refers to an established way of doing something.

• The surgical procedure took about three hours.
• The company has a detailed procedure for handling customer complaints.

This term is formal and specifically used within a medical context. It refers to any medical procedure involving an incision with instruments to treat injuries, diseases, or deformities.

• The patient required urgent surgical intervention to repair the damage.
• Surgical intervention is necessary when non-invasive treatments fail.

Used broadly for organized activities with specific goals, often in a professional or military context.

• The police launched an operation to capture the escaped convict.
• This new marketing operation aims to increase brand awareness.

Commonly used for tasks that have a sense of duty or purpose, often implying significant importance and difficulty.

• The astronauts are on a mission to explore Mars.
• Their mission is to provide clean water to remote villages.

Best for organized efforts aimed at achieving a specific goal, often long-term and particularly in politics, marketing, or social causes.

• The environmental group started a campaign to save the forest.
• He was very active in the presidential campaign.

Refers to skillful or strategic moves, typically in military, physical activities, or strategic planning, often implying complexity.

• The general ordered a flanking maneuver to surprise the enemy.
• The chess player planned a clever maneuver to checkmate his opponent.

Usually refers to a mission or task in the military, medical field, or business. It often implies something systematic and regulated.

• The military initiated an operation to rescue the hostages
• The hospital performed a successful heart operation

Refers to something that someone does, often as a part of work or leisure. It is the broadest term and can apply to almost any action.

• Hiking is my favorite outdoor activity
• The teacher planned several classroom activities for the students

Refers to a set of steps or instructions to accomplish a specific task, especially in formal or systematic contexts. Often used in medical, legal, or technical fields.

• The procedure for installing the new equipment is quite complex
• The patient is scheduled for a surgical procedure tomorrow

Typically used to describe how well something is working or performing. Often used in technical or mechanical contexts.

• The new software is functioning better than expected
• The car’s engine appeared to be functioning normally

Use in contexts related to medical procedures, military actions, or organized activities.

• The surgeon performed a complex heart operation.
• The military conducted a covert operation at dawn.
• The company's operation was running smoothly.

Apply it in contexts where it describes the specific role or purpose of something, often in technical or formal settings.

• The main function of the gearbox is to regulate speed and torque.
• The function of this software is to manage customer data efficiently.
• Her job function includes overseeing the finance department.

Used for describing a series of actions or steps taken to achieve a particular end, often emphasizing the gradual progression.

• The process of making wine involves several stages of fermentation and aging.
• Learning to play the piano is a long process that requires patience and practice.
• The application process for the visa can take several weeks.

Best used for specific pieces of work or duties that need to be completed, often emphasizing a single assignment.

• Your first task is to compile a list of potential clients.
• Completing this report will be a challenging task.
• He was given the task of cleaning the entire garage.