Skip to content
vocaboo
Beta
Log in

operate

Pronunciation: [/ˈɑpəɹeɪt/]

Word

Learn how to use operate in a sentence: 9 audio examples across 3 meanings.

Context: “medical procedures”

(verb) to perform surgery or medical procedures on a person. Doctors operate on patients to treat illnesses or injuries.

Example

The surgeon will operate on the patient's broken leg tomorrow morning.

Example

The doctor decided not to operate on the patient and recommended physical therapy instead.

Example

When will the doctor operate on the patient?

Context: “machines or devices”

(verb) to function or work correctly, especially with machinery or equipment. When machines or devices are operating, they are running or doing their job.

Example

The air conditioner is operating smoothly and keeping the room cool.

Example

The printer is not operating properly, so we need to call a technician to fix it.

Example

Is the elevator operating now?

Context: “organizations or businesses”

(verb) to manage or run a business, organization, or system. When someone operates a business, they make decisions about how it runs.

Example

She operates a successful bakery in the neighborhood.

Example

The company was forced to close because it could not operate profitably.

Example

How long has she been operating her own business?

How to pronounce operate

Pronunciation: [/ˈɑpəɹeɪt/]

Listen and repeat as many times as you need.

0s
0s