Is manager a formal word?

Yes. It is common in business, school, and official workplace contexts.

What is the difference between a manager and a supervisor?

A manager usually has wider responsibility. A supervisor often watches day-to-day work more closely.

Can I use manager for any boss?

Not always. It usually means a person with a specific team or workplace role.

How do I use manager in a sentence?

Say: 'My manager asked me to finish the report today.'

← Dictionary

manager

/ˈmæn.ɪ.dʒər/

IELTSAcademic

noun

A manager is a person who plans, directs, and checks work in a team, department, or company. They help people do their jobs and make decisions.

The manager approved my leave request.
Our manager runs the sales team.
She spoke to the manager about the problem.

Adinary Nuance

A manager is not just any boss. A manager usually handles daily work, people, and results in a specific team or department. A director or executive is often higher in rank and makes broader company decisions. A supervisor may focus more on direct oversight of workers than on planning.

In other languages

Vietnamese: quản lý
Spanish: gerente
Chinese: 经理
Japanese: マネージャー
Korean: 매니저

Etymology

Manager came into English in the 1600s from French, based on Italian maneggiare, meaning “to handle” or “control.” The word later became common for business and workplace roles.

Common phrases

project managerline managerhiring managergeneral manager

Synonyms

supervisor boss administrator

Related words

management director leader supervisor

Frequently asked questions

Is manager a formal word?: Yes. It is common in business, school, and official workplace contexts.
What is the difference between a manager and a supervisor?: A manager usually has wider responsibility. A supervisor often watches day-to-day work more closely.
Can I use manager for any boss?: Not always. It usually means a person with a specific team or workplace role.
How do I use manager in a sentence?: Say: 'My manager asked me to finish the report today.'