Operating
ˈɒpəreɪtɪŋ
Definitions
2 meaningsTo control the functioning of a machine or process; to conduct business.
ˈɒpəreɪt
To control the functioning of a machine or process.
The pilot is operating the aircraft.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing a video game. 'Operating' is like you're pressing the buttons and making the game character do stuff. It's also what a business does when they're running their company, like selling toys or making food.
👶 For kids: To make something work, like a toy car!
More Examples
The hospital is operating a new clinic.
The factory is operating at full capacity.
How It's Used
"The engineer is operating the computer system."
"The company is operating at a loss this quarter."
To perform a surgical procedure on a patient.
ˈɒpəreɪt
To perform surgery.
The doctor is scheduled to operate on the patient.
💡 Simply: It's like when a doctor fixes something inside your body, like your tummy or a broken bone. They are operating. They are doing the surgery.
👶 For kids: When a doctor fixes boo-boos inside your body with special tools.
More Examples
The nurse assisted the surgeon during the operation.
The patient recovered well after being operated on.
How It's Used
"The surgeon is operating on the patient this morning."
From Latin *operari* ('to work, to operate'), from *opus* ('work').
Originally referred to any action or working (late 16th century). The medical sense emerged in the early 18th century.
Memory tip
Think of the *operator* who controls the machine.
Word Origin
"to work"