What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
manipulate
Example
She manipulated the clay into a beautiful sculpture. [manipulated: verb]
Example
The politician tried to manipulate the media to gain more votes. [manipulate: verb]
Example
I had to manipulate the settings on my camera to get the perfect shot. [manipulate: verb]
operate
Example
The computer is operating smoothly now. [operating: verb]
Example
He knows how to operate heavy machinery. [operate: verb]
Example
The surgeon will operate on the patient's heart tomorrow. [operate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Operate is more commonly used than manipulate in everyday language. Operate is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, from technical to medical, while manipulate is less common and often has negative connotations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between manipulate and operate?
Operate is generally considered a more formal word than manipulate. It is often used in technical or specialized contexts, while manipulate can be used in both formal and informal situations, depending on the context.
