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.

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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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Synonyms for the word operate

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