Reading Theme:
Manual: Definition, Usage & Common Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：hand-operated (manual)
manual
/ˈmænjuəl/
adj.
involving using your hands or physical strength to do something.
hand-operated
➕
/ˈhænd ˌɒpəreɪtɪd/
adj.
Relating to or requiring the use of hands or physical effort.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'manus' meaning 'hand', with suffix '-ual' indicating relation to.
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'manual' as 'man-u-al' where 'man' reminds of hands, for hand-related work or guides.
📖 Example
Assembling this furniture requires manual labor; it's not just about pressing buttons.
Putting together this furniture needs work done by hand; it's not simply about pressing buttons.
🔗 Collocations
manual labor – work that involves physical effort using hands
manual work – tasks performed by hand rather than machine
manual process – a procedure done without automation
🔄 Synonyms
hand-operated (adj.) – controlled or done by hand
physical (adj.) – involving bodily effort
labor-intensive (adj.) – requiring a lot of manual work
🚫 Antonyms
automatic (adj.) – operating by itself without human intervention
mechanical (adj.) – done by machines rather than hands
🌱 Derivatives
manually (adv.) – in a manual manner; by hand
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'manualis', from 'manus' (hand). Evolved in English to describe hand-based tasks or instructional books.
Meaning 2：instruction book (manual)
manual
/ˈmænjuəl/
adj.
a book that gives you instructions on how to use something or do something.
instruction book
➕
/ɪnˈstrʌkʃən bʊk/
adj.
A book or booklet that provides detailed instructions on how to use or assemble something.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Before trying to assemble the bookshelf, it's wise to read the manual first.
Prior to attempting to assemble the bookshelf, it's advisable to consult the instruction book first.
🔗 Collocations
user manual – a guide for the user of a product
instruction manual – a book with step-by-step directions
service manual – a guide for maintaining or repairing equipment
🔄 Synonyms
handbook (n.) – a concise reference book providing specific information
guide (n.) – a book that advises or instructs
instructions (n.) – detailed information on how to do something
Wordbook
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