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to operate

to operate

618 2.8
To make a machine or system work as it should
  • verb
  • /ˈɑːpəreɪt/
: manejar
  • He learned how to operate the complicated machinery without any problems.
  • operate the machine
  • operate the device
  • operate the system

I just think it doesn't seem to operate very well at all.

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Examples

  • So we understand that, but know how to operate the camera equipment.

  • Scientists can explain how different parts of the brain operate when we perceive, think, remember, or desire.

    Academic text (2011)
  • It's even better because unique people own and operate unique businesses.

  • Your immune system starts to operate in different ways.

  • Call someone who knows how to operate the console!

  • The conservation plan must be designed to operate at the appropriate conservation scale.

    Academic text (2012)
  • Children of military personnel typically attend schools operated by the U.S. Department of Defense.

    Academic text (2015)
  • It can be operated with ease.

  • The PC has already installed appropriate software for children to operate it easily and conveniently.

    Academic text (2012)
  • The batteries must frequently be recharged and replaced, and they cannot operate at extreme temperatures.

    Academic text (2012)

Synonyms

to work
vsto operate
∞ 1.0

To function correctly, as a machine or device

focuses on making machines or devices do their job, not just being effective
to go
vsto operate
∞ 1.0

To start working or be able to work, especially a machine

means causing devices to work correctly rather than merely starting them
to run
vsto operate
∞ 2.2

To make a machine or device work

includes both causing devices to work and the state of working as intended
to function
vsto operate
338 2.6

To work in a particular role or job

is about causing machines or systems to do their job correctly
to control
vsto operate
159 1.7

To operate a machine, vehicle, or device

is broader, meaning to make machines do their job rather than steering them
to actuate
vsto operate
  • Specialized
2 7.3

To make a machine start working

refers to causing machines to run over time rather than only triggering them

Antonyms

200 3.2

To stop working because of a problem

To stop working correctly, as a machine or device

Idioms

To follow a relaxed plan and arrive late without worry

Phrasal Verbs

to operate on
  • Specialized
66 4.6

To cut and repair a part of a person or animal in surgery

to operate on
  • Specialized
55 3.8

To use a program or method to change data

How Well

to perform
∞ 1.3
to function
338 2.6
to operate
618 2.8
to break down
200 3.2

Surface Forms

operate infinitive
operated past
operated past participle
operating present participle
operates third person singular

Morphology

operate = oper + ate

The verb is built with the productive verb-forming suffix '-ate' on the bound root 'oper-' meaning 'work/perform', and this sense ('make a machine work') maps directly onto that core meaning for learners.

Etymology

Operate comes from an old Latin root meaning 'to work', and you can see the same root in operator, a person who makes machines work. So to operate a device is to make it 'work' as it should.