manual
/ˈmæn.ju.əl/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
Done by hand, not by a machine or computer. It can also mean using hands and skill instead of automatic systems.
- We entered the data manually.
- This machine still needs manual control.
- Please switch to manual mode.
noun
A book or guide that explains how to use something, especially a machine, tool, or software.
- I checked the manual before setting it up.
- The printer manual was missing.
- Read the manual carefully.
Adinary Nuance
Manual is often used when something is done by hand, while "handmade" usually describes things made by hand as a product. It is also different from "automatic" and "digital" in technology contexts. As a noun, manual means an instruction book, not a tool or machine.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- thủ công
- Spanish
- manual
- Chinese
- 手动
- Japanese
- 手動の
- Korean
- 수동의
Etymology
Manual comes from Latin manualis, meaning “of the hand,” from manus, “hand.” It entered English in the late Middle Ages through French and Latin.
Common phrases
manual labourmanual modemanual controlmanual transmission
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is manual formal or informal?
- It is neutral and common in both everyday and business English.
- What is the difference between manual and automatic?
- Manual means a person does it by hand. Automatic means a machine does it on its own.
- Is manual used in technology writing?
- Yes. It is common for settings, controls, and data entry.
- Does manual always mean a book?
- No. It can also mean done by hand, as an adjective.