Definition of operate - Reverso English Dictionary
Verb
1.
machines systemsintr. function or work in a proper wayintr.
- The new printer will operate more efficiently..
2.
technologytr. control the functioning of a devicetr.
- He operates the remote control.
3.
tasktr. perform a task or functiontr.
- The machine operates efficiently.
4.
worktr. manage or run a businesstr.
- She operates a small bakery downtown.
5.
medicalintr. perform surgeryintr.
- The surgeon will operate on the patient tomorrow..
6.
militarytr. conduct military operationstr.
- The troops operate in the northern region.
Expressions with operate
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have an effect or influence on something
The new policy will operate on the entire system.
use a place as a base for operations
They operate out of New York for their missions.
live or work longer than expected
After the surgery, he felt like he was operating on borrowed time.
work secretly or indirectly
The advisor operates behind the scenes to influence decisions.
work without enough information
The team had to operate in the dark due to missing data.
manage with very little money
The startup had to operate on a shoestring for the first year.
perform tasks without active engagement
He tends to operate on autopilot during long meetings.
apply different rules unfairly to similar situations
The manager was accused of operating double standards in promotions.
function without external input or feedback
The committee operated in a vacuum, unaware of public opinion.
act with honest intentions and sincerity
The company promised to operate in good faith during the negotiations.
conduct activities in a hidden or covert manner
The organization operates in the shadows to avoid detection by authorities.
act without attracting attention
The spy managed to operate under the radar for years.
act according to legal rules
The company must operate within the law to avoid penalties.
Origin of operate
Latin, operari (to work)
Terms with operate included in their meaning
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technology
control on a device that is pressed to operate it
machine operation
operate or function as a machine
machines
cause a machine or engine to operate
driving
operate a vehicle down a road or path
literal driving
operate a vehicle to reach one's home
technology
device used to operate appliances from a distance
operation
function or operate properly
media
operate a device to produce sound or video
operation
operate a machine or system
operation
operate or perform as specified
general
operate without problems with everything working well together
licensed operator
person licensed to operate an aircraft in flight
portable energy
capability of a device to operate using a battery
legal
official document allowing someone to operate a boat
tech knowhow
capacity to operate computers, programs and online tools effectively
operation
press a button to operate something
machines or systems
make sure something continues to work or operate
device control
button you press to operate a device
healthcare
manage and operate a medical facility
energy
operate using a specific energy source
film production
group of workers who operate cameras for film, television or video recording
location
place where ferries operate
mechanical
turn a key or handle to operate a device
operation
operate or control a machine
Examples of operate in a sentence
The system will operate without any issues. She learned to operate the new software quickly. They operate the machinery with precision. She operates the new software with ease. The factory operates 24 hours a day to meet demand. They operate three cafés across the city.
The family has operated the hotel for decades. The doctor will operate early in the morning. They need to operate to remove the tumor. Special forces operate under strict protocols. They operate covertly during the night.
View all translations of operate
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:fonctionner, utiliser, ...
- German:arbeiten, bedienen, ...
- Italian:funzionare, controllare, ...
- Spanish:funcionar, manejar, ...
- Portuguese:funcionar, manusear, ...
- Chinese:运作, 操作, ...
- Japanese:動作する, 操作する, ...
- Arabic:عَمِلَ, اِسْتَخْدَمَ, ...
- Hebrew:לְתַפְקֵד, לְהַפְעִיל, ...
- Russian:работать, управлять, ...
- Ukrainian:працювати, керувати, ...
- Hindi:संचालित करना, चलाना, ...
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