# operate vs operator

> English confusable word pair

## The two words

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

### operator
*noun · IPA /ˈɒpəˌɹeɪtə/ · frequency rank #4,178*
A person or organisation that operates a device, system, service, etc.

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