What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
operation
Example
The patient underwent an operation to remove the tumor. [operation: noun]
Example
The doctors performed an operation on the injured soldier in the field hospital. [operation: noun]
surgery
Example
The surgeon performed the surgery to repair the damaged artery. [surgery: noun]
Example
She is a specialist in plastic surgery. [surgery: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Surgery is more commonly used than operation in medical contexts, but both words are widely understood and used in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between operation and surgery?
Surgery is generally considered more formal and technical than operation, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
