English Lexicon

Manipulate

/məˈnɪp.jə.leɪt/
verbCEFR C1 (Advanced)Top #2150 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As verb
  1. 1

    To handle or control skillfully, typically with the hands or by mechanical means.

    "The skilled artisan could manipulate the delicate glass effortlessly."
  2. 2

    To control or influence a person or situation cleverly, unfairly, or unscrupulously.

    "He tried to manipulate the data to support his flawed hypothesis."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'manipulus' meaning a handful (from manus 'hand' plus plenus 'full'). Originally referring to handling things skillfully, it evolved through French into English in the late 18th century to mean operating or controlling objects or situations skillfully, and later, influencing people cunningly.

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