# operable vs operate

> English confusable word pair

## The two words

### operable
*adjective · IPA /ˈɒ.pə.ɹə.bəl/ · frequency rank #44,383*
Able to be operated or used.

### operate
*verb · IPA /ˈɒpəɹeɪt/ · frequency rank #3,013*
To perform a work or labour; to exert power or strength, physical or mechanical; to act.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/vs/operable-vs-operate