Word
manipulative
Phoneticsma·nip·u·la·tive, stress on the second syllable
US/məˈnɪpjəˌɫeɪtɪv/
UK/mənˈɪpjʊlətˌɪv/
Psychology
Definition
adj. describing someone who tries to control or influence people in a clever or unfair way to get what they want.
adj. characterised by the use of indirect, dishonest, or calculating tactics to influence the behaviour or emotions of others for personal gain.
Examples
“He uses guilt to be manipulative and get his way.”
“The manager's manipulative behavior created a toxic environment where employees felt forced to compete against each other.”
“Psychologists often distinguish between healthy social influence and manipulative conduct, which relies on exploitation and the intentional distortion of facts to undermine another person's autonomy.”
Examples
simple
“He uses guilt to be manipulative and get his way.”
contextual
“The manager's manipulative behavior created a toxic environment where employees felt forced to compete against each other.”
complex
“Psychologists often distinguish between healthy social influence and manipulative conduct, which relies on exploitation and the intentional distortion of facts to undermine another person's autonomy.”
Usage
Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be', 'seem', or 'become'.
Real-World Examples
“Has China taken the lead in protecting its people from a manipulative and dangerous technology with the power to change human interaction forever?” “In fact, they believe Stoicism is a decidedly manly weapon against the manipulative and deceitful nature of women and their influence.” “Dramaturg Sophie Duncan’s skilled elision of variant texts emphasises Edmund, played by Fode Simbo with a manipulative charisma suggesting Gloucester’s bastard son as a cousin of Iago in Othello.” Etymology
From manipulate + -ive.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/manipulative