French Conversation · Level 75
60 words
French word
opérer
Pronunciation
IPA/opeʁe/
Meaning
- verboperate on
Example
Le chirurgien va opérer le patient demain.
The surgeon will operate on the patient tomorrow.
More examples
Elle doit se faire opérer la semaine prochaine.
She must undergo surgery next week.
Core concept
A specialist carries out a deliberate procedure on a body, system, or task to produce a change or make it work.
Common phrases
se faire opérer
undergo surgery
opérer un patient
operate on a patient
Similar words
subir: Undergo surgery to treat an illness or injury.
soigner: Treat or relieve illness or injury with medicines or procedures.
intervenir: Provide medical intervention, including treatment or surgery, when needed.
traiter: Treat a disease with medicine or procedures to improve the condition.
Definition in French
Pratiquer une opération chirurgicale sur un patient ; au sens figuré, provoquer un changement ou faire fonctionner quelque chose.
Word origin
French opérer comes from Latin operari, meaning 'to work or carry out,' through Old French, with later specialized uses for surgery and other effects.
Usage tips
- The phrase se faire opérer is commonly used when the person undergoing surgery is the subject, rather than using opérer as a simple intransitive verb.