operate
Definitions
To work or function; to make a machine or system work.
运转；操作（机器或系统）。
To run or manage a business or service.
经营，运营（生意或服务）。
To perform surgery on someone.
（给某人）动手术。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedoper (work) + -ate (verb) = 'to make work.' The same core idea fans out: operate a machine (make it function), operate a business (keep it running), operate on a patient (work on the body). Whatever the scene, you are putting work into motion.
Root oper still carries 16 more wordsWhy It Means This
Why does one verb cover machines, businesses, and surgery? Because all three are 'work in action.' Latin operārī simply meant 'to be at work.' A machine that operates is doing its work; a company that operates is carrying on its work; a surgeon who operates is doing careful work on the body. English never split them — it kept the single thread of 'work happening.'
Usage Guide
Note the prepositions: 'operate a machine' (transitive, run it) vs 'operate on a patient' (do surgery — the 'on' is required) vs 'operate in a market' (do business there). Dropping or swapping 'on' changes the meaning.
Example Sentences
- 1.
Do you know how to operate this coffee machine?
- 2.
The company operates in more than thirty countries.
- 3.
Surgeons will operate on her knee tomorrow morning.