Pronunciation

/ˈɒpəreɪt/

Definitions

• Verb: (v) To control or manage the functioning of a machine, system, or organization. For example: “The operator has to know how to operate this complex machinery.”
  • Also used figuratively: “She operates on the principle of honesty and fairness.”
• Noun: (n) The act of operating something; a procedure or process, especially in medicine. For example: “The patient underwent a delicate surgical operation.”
• Noun: (n) A business or professional activity. For example: “They run a successful transportation operation.”

Phrases

• “Operate on someone/something”: To perform surgery or carry out a mechanical or technical procedure on someone or something. Example: “The surgeon will have to operate on his knee.”
• “Operate under [conditions/rules]”: To function or work within certain constraints or principles. Example: “The company operates under strict environmental guidelines.”
• “Get up and running/operational”: To start functioning or become active. Example: “It took us several weeks to get the new software fully operational.”

Example Sentences

• Verb: “He’s been trained to operate the crane safely.”
• Noun (procedure): “The IT team performed a system update operation overnight.”
• Noun (business): “Their logistics operation spans across three continents.”

Synonyms

• Verb:
  • Control
  • Manage
  • Run
  • Handle
• Noun (procedure):
  • Procedure
  • Process
  • Functioning
  • Surgery
• Noun (business):
  • Enterprise
  • Activity
  • Undertaking
  • Venture