administrate

Administrate is a verb meaning to manage, supervise, or oversee the execution and operation of something. It covers directing programs, projects, institutions, or processes and arranging resources and activities to ensure they function as intended.

Etymology: from Latin administrare, via Old French administrer; related to administration and administrator. In modern English, administer is far more common; administrate appears in some registers, especially formal, technical, or historical contexts, and in certain regional varieties.

Usage notes: In everyday writing, most speakers prefer administer for most senses, including giving care, distributing goods, or running a program. Administrate tends to occur in precise or institutional contexts, or in British English historical usage. Examples: The university department administrates its grant program. The software company uses role-based controls to administrate user permissions. In clinical settings, nurses administer vaccines and medications.

Overall, administrate is a legitimate but less common variant of administer, with uses concentrated in formal, technical, or historical contexts. See also administration, administrator.