Apply and Operate

Apply

Apply verb - To put into action or service.
Usage example: apply the laws of motion to this physics problem

Operate is a synonym for apply in use topic. In some cases you can use "Operate" instead a verb "Apply".

Operate

Operate verb - To put into action or service.
Usage example: wouldn't dream of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol

Apply is a synonym for operate in use topic. You can use "Apply" instead a verb "Operate", if it concerns topics such as take effect.

Common collocations

thanks apply thanks operate thanks
way apply way operate way
technology apply technology operate technology
weapons apply weapons operate weapons

Both words in one sentence

  • It's implied that the same rules also apply for those with particularly powerful versions of the Gifts that also operate in the series.
  • Sufficiently Analyzed Magic This is basically how the Asura from Guild Wars 2 operate; they look at magic as just another field of science, and apply it accordingly.
  • Video Game / The Lord of the Rings Online Until the player receives his Legendary weapon and proves that he can operate with it (reforge, slot relics, apply titles etc) he cannot advance the Main Storyline and cannot pass the Doors of Moria.
Cite this Source
Operate and Apply. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 15, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/apply/operate
Apply & Operate. N.p., 2016. Web. 15 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/apply/operate>.
Operate or Apply. 2016. Accessed August 15, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/apply/operate.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "apply" and "operate" have occurred on timeline