# operate

> English word · Verb · IPA /ˈɒpəɹeɪt/ · frequency rank #3,013

## Definitions
1. To perform a work or labour; to exert power or strength, physical or mechanical; to act.
2. To produce an effect.
3. To produce an effect.
4. To produce an effect.
5. To bring about as an effect; to cause.
6. To perform some manual act upon a human body in a methodical manner, and usually with instruments, with a view to restore soundness or health, as in amputation, lithotomy, etc.
7. To deal in stocks or any commodity with a view to speculative profits.
8. To put into, or to continue in, operation or activity; to work.

## Etymology
From Latin operātus, perfect passive participle of operor (“to work, labor, toil, have effect”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix).

## Easily confused with
- **opiate** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/operate-vs-opiate)
- **operated** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/operate-vs-operated)
- **operator** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/operate-vs-operator)
- **operatic** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/operate-vs-operatic)
- **operative** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/operate-vs-operative)
- **opera** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/opera-vs-operate)
- **operable** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/operable-vs-operate)

## Common misspellings (9)
`oeprate`, `opearte`, `operaet`, `operatte`, `operrate`, `opertae`, `opperate`, `opreate`, `poerate`

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