operation
B1Formal, Neutral
Definition
Meaning
The process of functioning or working; a planned activity involving many people and steps.
1. A surgical procedure. 2. A military or police action. 3. A business or organizational activity. 4. A mathematical process (e.g., addition).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Denotes both the state of working (the machine is in operation) and a specific instance of a complex, planned action (a business operation). Implies systematic, organized activity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Mostly identical. 'Operating theatre' (UK) vs. 'operating room' (US). In formal business contexts, US English may use 'operations' more broadly for departmental functions.
Connotations
No significant difference in connotation.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both varieties, across all contexts (medical, business, military, technical).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The operation of [SYSTEM/BUSINESS] (e.g., The operation of the factory)An operation to [VERB] (e.g., an operation to remove the tumour)In operation (e.g., The law is now in operation)Undergo an operation (for medical)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a slick operation”
- “a well-oiled operation”
- “a cloak-and-dagger operation”
- “be in operation”
- “come/bring into operation”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to the core activities of producing goods/services. E.g., 'We need to streamline our operations.'
Academic
Used in mathematics, computing, and management studies. E.g., 'The binary operation of addition.'
Everyday
Commonly refers to surgery. E.g., 'He's recovering from a minor operation.'
Technical
In computing: a single action of a processor. In engineering: the functioning of machinery.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The new system will operate from next quarter.
- Surgeons operate in sterile environments.
American English
- The company operates in ten states.
- The law operates to protect consumers.
adverb
British English
- The team worked operationally as one unit.
- The policy was implemented operationally.
American English
- The two departments function operationally separate.
- It's challenging to coordinate operationally.
adjective
British English
- The operational costs are too high.
- The plant is now fully operational.
American English
- Operational security is paramount.
- We reached operational capacity.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The hospital is very big and has many operations every day.
- My uncle had an operation on his knee.
- The smooth operation of the airport depends on good teamwork.
- The company's main operations are based in Germany.
- A major police operation was launched to find the missing person.
- The new software will come into operation next month.
- The covert operation was declassified fifty years after the event.
- He oversees the operational aspects of the multinational's supply chain.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a hospital OPERATION: it's a carefully planned PROCEDURE performed by a team. Both words share the 'planned, step-by-step action' core idea.
Conceptual Metaphor
ORGANIZATIONS/SYSTEMS ARE MACHINES (e.g., 'get the operation running smoothly'), COMPLEX ACTIVITIES ARE SURGICAL PROCEDURES (e.g., 'a delicate diplomatic operation').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'operation' as 'операция' for every context. In business, 'business operations' is closer to 'деятельность' or 'работа'. 'Surgical operation' is 'операция'. 'Military operation' is 'военная операция'. The mathematical 'operation' is 'действие' (e.g., сложение - операция сложения).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'operation' as a countable noun for a simple action (e.g., 'I did an operation of cleaning' - incorrect). Confusing 'operation' (noun) with 'operate' (verb).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'operation' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. When referring to the general state of functioning ('in operation'), it is uncountable. For specific instances (a surgery, a military mission), it is countable.
In medical contexts, they are synonyms. However, 'surgery' can also mean the room or the profession, while 'operation' refers only to the procedure itself.
No, 'operation' is only a noun. The verb form is 'operate'.
Use 'operations' (plural) to refer to the collective, ongoing activities of a business (e.g., 'Head of Operations'). Use 'operation' for a specific project or activity (e.g., 'a marketing operation').
Collections
Part of a collection
Health and Body
A2 · 48 words · Talking about health, illness and medical care.