Words / A2

OP-uh-rayt-uh/ˈɒpəreɪtə/

An operator is a person who controls a machine or takes calls: a machine operator, a tour operator, press 9 for the operator. Driver is for vehicles; operator is often factory, lift, or phone. Operate is the verb. Do not write operator when you mean opera, or optician (eyes).

Meaning

A person who controls a machine or answers phone calls for a company.

Examples

• “The lift operator asked us which floor we wanted.”
• “Call the operator if the line keeps dropping.”
• “The ride operator checked every seatbelt.”

Good to know

a machine / tour / phone operator. Verb: operate. Mix-up: optician.

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