Meaning & use
principle of operation
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Meaning
phrasecountabletechnical
the basic scientific idea or method that explains how a machine or system works
Grammar: Used as a singular noun phrase: 'the principle of operation of the engine'. It often appears after 'explain' or 'understand'.
Patterns
- the principle of operation of something
- explain the principle of operation
- understand the principle of operation
The manual explains the principle of operation of the pump in simple terms.
Before you repair the device, you should understand its principle of operation.
The principle of operation of a thermometer is that liquids expand when heated.
Common combinations
- explain the principle of operation
- The teacher explained the principle of operation of the electric motor.
- the principle of operation of a device
- The principle of operation of a device is often described in the user manual.
- understand the principle of operation
- Engineers must understand the principle of operation before they can improve the design.
- basic principle of operation
- The basic principle of operation is the same for all models.
Synonyms and how they differ
- working principle
- Very similar in meaning, but 'working principle' is slightly more informal and common in everyday technical talk.
- mechanism
- Focuses on the parts and process rather than the underlying scientific idea; 'principle of operation' is more about the theory.
Word family
- operate verb
- To work or control a machine; the verb related to 'operation'.
- operational adjective
- Related to how something works or is used.
Commonly confused: principle of operation or principal?
principle of operation vs principal
'Principal' means 'main' or 'head of a school'; 'principle' is a basic rule or idea. They sound the same but are different words.
Practice
The engineer explained the principle of operation ___ the new engine.
Choose one answer.
'Principle of operation of something' is the standard pattern. 'For' might seem logical, but the fixed phrase uses 'of' to show what is being operated.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “principle of operation”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.