What is operate? Pronunciation and usage in English

operate means . Learn how to pronounce and use operate through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of operate

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/ˈɒpəreɪt/
Definition & pronunciation of operate

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "operate" in English. Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /əˈpɛr.əˌteɪ/ (uh-PEH-ruh-uh-tay)

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. əˈpɛr (uh-PEH):

    • ə - This is a schwa sound. It’s a very short, relaxed "uh" sound, like the "a" in "about." Think of it as a very neutral vowel.
    • ˈpɛr - This syllable is stressed. It sounds like "per," with a clear "e" sound. It's pronounced like "pear" but with a shorter, more retracted "e."

  2. əˌteɪ (uh-tay):

    • ə - Again, a schwa sound - "uh."
    • ˌteɪ - This is the second stressed syllable. It sounds like "tay." Notice the secondary stress - it’s slightly louder than the first syllable.

Tips for sounding good:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the second syllable ("per").
  • Schwa: The first syllable ("a") uses the schwa sound – it's the most common vowel sound in English and is often reduced to a neutral sound.
  • Don't over-emphasize: Avoid making it sound like "op-er-ate." The flow is important.

Resources for Hearing It:

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Usage and examples with the word operate in English

Let's break down how to use the word "operate" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different meanings, so understanding the context is key.

1. As a Verb (Most Common Usage): To Control or Run Something

This is the most frequent way to use "operate." It means to control or manage something, usually a machine, system, or organization.

  • Examples:
    • "She operates a large printing press." (Controls/manages the press)
    • "The pilot operates the plane." (Controls the plane)
    • "He operates a successful bakery." (Manages the bakery)
    • "The software operates on a Windows system." (Works on/runs on the system)
    • "The surgeon will operate on the patient." (Perform surgery – this is a more formal usage)

2. As a Verb (Figurative): To Be Active or Engaged

Sometimes, "operate" is used to describe someone's involvement in a situation, often in a negative way (meaning to be involved in or to carry out something).

  • Examples:
    • "They operate on a very tight budget." (They function or manage on a small budget)
    • "The company operates under strict regulations." (The company is subject to those regulations)
    • “She operates primarily in the tech industry.” (She works within the tech industry)

3. As a Verb (Medical): To Perform an Operation

This refers to the act of surgery.

  • Example:
    • "The doctor will operate to remove the tumor."

4. As a Noun (Less Common): An Operator; A Person Who Operates

It can also be a noun referring to the person who operates something.

  • Examples:
    • "The airport operator is responsible for the smooth running of the facility."
    • "He works as a train operator."

Here’s a breakdown of how to use "operate" in different sentence structures:

  • Subject + Operate + Object: “The robot operates the conveyor belt.”
  • Subject + is/are + operated by + someone/something: “The machines are operated by technicians.”
  • “Operate” as a noun: “The operator controlled the equipment.”

Tips for Using "Operate" Correctly:

  • Context is crucial: Pay attention to the situation to determine the intended meaning.
  • Synonyms: Depending on the context, consider other words like “control,” “manage,” “run,” “handle,” or “perform.”
  • Formal vs. Informal: "Operate" is generally considered a more formal word than "run" or "use."

Resources for More Examples & Practice:

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  • What kind of situation are you thinking about using "operate" in? (e.g., talking about a machine, a business, a person, etc.)

Synonyms for the word operate

Practice with vocabulary operate

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The new software system will ______ more efficiently once the update is fully implemented.
  2. Surgeons often ______ for many hours during complex medical procedures.
  3. The project team needs to ______ a detailed risk assessment before proceeding with the development phase.
  4. Employees must ______ to strict safety regulations in the chemical processing plant.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following verbs accurately describes the act of controlling or using a machine, system, or device? a) Manipulate b) Function c) Operate d) Activate

  2. A business or organization that is actively providing services or making products is said to ______. a) operate b) exist c) run d) commence

  3. Which of these actions typically requires a surgeon to ______ on a patient? a) Examine a wound b) Perform a biopsy c) Administer medication d) Remove a tumor

  4. To ensure the project's success, the team must first ______ a comprehensive feasibility study. a) undertake b) conduct c) perform d) observe

  5. The new regulations aim to ______ the flow of goods across international borders. a) facilitate b) impede c) manage d) streamline

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The company is responsible for the administration of the public transportation network. Rewrite using "operate" or a related word form:

  2. Original: You must be very careful when utilizing this sensitive machinery. Rewrite using "operate" or a related word form:

  3. Original: It is essential to ensure that all tasks are performed according to the safety guidelines. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word (do not use "operate"):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. operate
  2. operate
  3. conduct / perform
  4. adhere / conform

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) Manipulate, c) Operate, d) Activate
  2. a) operate, c) run
  3. b) Perform a biopsy, d) Remove a tumor
  4. a) undertake, b) conduct, c) perform
  5. a) facilitate, c) manage, d) streamline

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company operates the public transportation network.
  2. You must be very careful when operating this sensitive machinery.
  3. It is essential to ensure that all tasks are executed according to the safety guidelines.

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