This meaning is often used when talking about making machines work. You use it when someone makes something like a device or machine do its job.
He operates the coffee machine well.
She operates the car every day.
This meaning means the doctor cuts or treats a body to fix a health problem. It is about medical operations.
The doctor will operate on the patient.
The vet operates on sick animals.
Here, operate means something works or is active in a system or place. It shows how something acts or behaves over time.
The factory operates twenty-four hours.
This law operates in all states.
This meaning is about managing or running a business or organization. It means making it work well and serve customers or users.
They operate a small restaurant downtown.
The company operates many stores.
Here, operate means to carry out tasks, especially secret or military actions. It focuses on making plans happen carefully.
The troops operate behind enemy lines.
Agents operate in secret missions.
This meaning means something works or causes change by using power or influence. It shows how rules or forces affect things.
Old rules still operate in this region.
The law operates to protect people.