operate under
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle under
Meanings
Function according to a particular condition or rule
Why “under”? Something is under a rule, group, burden, or close check. It works inside that pressure.
“We operate under strict regulations.”
“The lab operates under safety rules.”
Don't confuse with
Operate under means function according to a particular condition or rule. Operate on means perform surgery on someone.
Test yourself
“We operate under strict regulations.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
operate on
A contrast learners often mix up
Perform surgery on someone
bring under
Same under pattern: under control
Bring something under control
come under
Same under pattern: under control
Be subjected to a particular force or scrutiny
fall under
Same under pattern: under control
Drop below an expected standard or value; Belong to a particular category
keep under
Same under pattern: under control
Keep something controlled or suppressed
labour under
Same under pattern: under control
Be hampered by a wrong belief or burden
Sink In — iOS & Android
Practice “operate under” in Sink In
Drill “operate under” and 1,300+ other phrasal verbs with spaced repetition, organised by the particle patterns that connect them.
- Learn the pattern behind dozens of verbs at once — not one-off translations.
- Spaced repetition (SM-2) brings each meaning back right before you forget.
- Four practice modes train recall and discrimination, not just recognition.
