operates
|op/er/ate|
🇺🇸
/ˈɑpəreɪts/
🇬🇧
/ˈɒpəreɪts/
(operate)
functioning or controlling
Etymology
'operate' originates from Latin, specifically the verb 'operari' (past participle 'operatus'), where the root 'opus/oper-' meant 'work'.
'operate' came into English via Old French/Medieval Latin: Latin 'operari' → Late Latin/Medieval Latin 'operatus' → Old French 'operer' (modern French 'opérer') → Middle English 'operaten' → modern English 'operate'.
Initially, it meant 'to work' or 'to take pains', and over time it evolved to include 'to cause to work, to control machinery, to perform surgery, and to manage or run (a business)'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to function or work (of a machine, system, or process).
The new heating system operates more efficiently than the old one.
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Verb 2
to control or use a machine, device, or piece of equipment.
She operates the crane at the construction site.
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Verb 3
to perform surgery on (often used with 'on').
The surgeon operates on several patients each week.
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Verb 4
to manage or run (a business, organization, or service).
He operates several small shops in the city.
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Last updated: 2025/12/28 23:17