manipulate
To control or influence a person or situation cleverly, unfairly, or unscrupulously. It can also refer to the skillful handling or operation of an object or tool with the hands.
Examples
3 of 5He learned how to manipulate the controls of the aircraft with great precision.
He learned how to skillfully operate the aircraft controls with high accuracy.
The governing body must ensure that no single entity can manipulate the election process.
The administration must make sure that no group can unfairly influence the voting process.
I feel like she's trying to manipulate me into buying that expensive car.
I feel like she is trying to trick or pressure me into purchasing that pricey vehicle.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the root 'man' (meaning hand, as in manual). You are 'hand-ling' a situation or object to move it where you want it to go.
Quick Quiz
The software allows users to ____ photos by changing colors and removing backgrounds.
Correct!
The correct answer is: manipulate
Examples
He learned how to manipulate the controls of the aircraft with great precision.
everydayHe learned how to skillfully operate the aircraft controls with high accuracy.
The governing body must ensure that no single entity can manipulate the election process.
formalThe administration must make sure that no group can unfairly influence the voting process.
I feel like she's trying to manipulate me into buying that expensive car.
informalI feel like she is trying to trick or pressure me into purchasing that pricey vehicle.
In this experiment, we will manipulate the temperature to see how the chemicals react.
academicIn this study, we will change the temperature levels to observe the chemical reactions.
The firm was investigated for attempting to manipulate market prices to its advantage.
businessThe company was under investigation for trying to dishonestly control market prices for profit.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
manipulate the situation
To arrange circumstances to get a desired outcome.
manipulate one's way into
To use clever or dishonest tactics to enter a position or place.
digital manipulation
The act of changing an image or file using software.
Often Confused With
'Manage' is usually neutral or positive (organizing things), while 'manipulate' often implies dishonesty or technical modification.
Usage Notes
Use this word when discussing technical skills or scientific data (neutral), or when describing someone who is being emotionally dishonest to get what they want (negative).
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'manipulate' when they simply mean 'use' or 'organize'. Be careful using it with people, as it sounds like an accusation of lying.
Memory Tip
Think of the root 'man' (meaning hand, as in manual). You are 'hand-ling' a situation or object to move it where you want it to go.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin word 'manipulus', meaning a handful, coming from 'manus' (hand).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In modern Western culture, this word is frequently used in the context of 'media manipulation' regarding social media algorithms and fake news.
Quick Quiz
The software allows users to ____ photos by changing colors and removing backgrounds.
Correct!
The correct answer is: manipulate
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