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man

n. · v. · interj.
US //ˈmæn// UK //mˈæn// man
  1. 1 adult male (n.)
    A1 Beginner

    an adult male human being.

    an adult male human.

    Example

    A tall man in a dark suit was waiting at the bus stop.

    Example

    The man approached the podium with a stack of documents, ready to present his findings to the board of directors.
  2. 2 humankind (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Literary Anthropology

    all human beings as a group, including men and women.

    the human race or species collectively. Often used without an article in this sense.

    Example

    The history of man is full of great inventions and discoveries.

    Example

    Philosophers have long debated the inherent nature of man and whether our species is naturally inclined toward cooperation or conflict.

    Teacher's tip

    Modern writers often prefer 'humankind' or 'humanity' to be more inclusive of all genders.
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  1. 3 addressing someone (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    a word you use when talking to a friend or someone you know, often to show you are surprised or annoyed.

    a vocative used to address a person, typically male, often expressing familiarity, impatience, or emphasis.

    Example

    Look, man, I told you I would be late for dinner.

    Example

    I don't know what to tell you, man; we've already tried every possible solution to fix the server error.
  2. 4 to staff (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to provide the people needed to operate or guard something.

    to supply with a crew or staff; to station people at a place for work or defense.

    Example

    The company needs to man the help desk twenty-four hours a day.

    Example

    Volunteers were recruited to man the emergency phone lines during the peak of the storm.
  3. 5 emphasis (interj.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    a word used to show strong feeling, like surprise, excitement, or disappointment.

    an exclamatory particle used to add emphasis to a statement.

    Example

    Man, that was a long meeting.

    Example

    Man, I can't believe we actually finished the project ahead of the deadline.
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