Words / B1

MAN-yoo-uh-l/ˈmænjuəl/

A manual is a book of instructions; as an adjective, manual means done by hand: manual handling; manual labour. Handbook is a close twin for the book. Automatic is an opposite for machines. Fire drills: read the alarm manual first.

Meaning

A book of instructions; as an adjective, done by hand rather than by machine.

Examples

• “Read the fire-alarm manual before the drill, not after.”
• “Manual handling training is mandatory; a manual gearbox is the car sense.”

Good to know

a manual (book). Adjective: manual + labour / handling. Opposite (machines): automatic. HSE / exams. Not “manuel”.

Near in meaning

handbook

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