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operate

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verb British English pronunciation: operate /ˈɒpəreɪt/ 
Word Forms
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present tense
I/you/we/theyoperate
he/she/itoperates
present participleoperating
past tenseoperated
past participleoperated
 
  1. 1
    [intransitive] if equipment operates, it works and does what it is intended to do

    The ventilation equipment was not operating properly.

    operate on/at:

    Many computers were still operating on a two-digit dating system.

    The motor operates at very high speeds.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  operateThesaurus entry for this meaning of operate
    1. a.
      [transitive] to use and control a piece of equipment

      You should not operate machinery after taking this medication.

      My job was to operate the telephone switchboard.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  operateThesaurus entry for this meaning of operate
  2. 2
    [intransitive] if an organization or company operates, it does its work

    The company has been operating in Europe for two years.

    operate as:

    Richardson’s will in future operate as a subsidiary of AFA.

    operate under/within:

    All the parties have to operate within the democratic system.

    operate on a basis/principle:

    The organization operates on a non-profit basis.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  operateThesaurus entry for this meaning of operate
    1. a.
      [transitive] to run a company or organization

      The car hire business is operated as a separate company.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  operateThesaurus entry for this meaning of operate
  3. 3
    [transitive] to organize a service or system and make it available to people

    The government will operate an interest-free loan system.

    a licence to operate a passenger transport network

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  operateThesaurus entry for this meaning of operate
    1. a.
      [intransitive] if a service or system operates, it exists and is available

      Flights operate every day from Birmingham.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  operateThesaurus entry for this meaning of operate
  4. 4
    [intransitive] to cut into part of someone’s body for medical reasons

    Surgeons had to operate to remove the bullet.

    operate on:

    The driver of the car was operated on immediately.

    We may have to operate on your leg.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  operateThesaurus entry for this meaning of operate
  5. 5
    [intransitive] if something such as a rule, idea, or fact operates, it exists and has an effect in a particular situation

    Racism operates at many levels, conscious and unconscious.

    Very different factors were operating in the local and national elections.

    operate as:

    This law effectively operates as a tax on education.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  operateThesaurus entry for this meaning of operate
  6. 6
    [intransitive] if someone operates in a particular way, that is how they achieve what they want to do
    operate as:

    The sales staff usually operate as a team.

    operate by doing something:

    Carlson operated by gaining people’s confidence and then taking their money.

    She won’t argue with you – that’s not how she operates.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  operateThesaurus entry for this meaning of operate

This is the British English definition of operate. View American English definition of operate.

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