ENGLISH
REFERENCE

manual

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈmænjuəɫ// UK //mˈænjuːəl// man·u·al Academic Archaic Informal

n. a book that gives you instructions on how to do something or how to use a machine. You usually get one when you buy a new car or a piece of furniture.

n. a handbook or instructional volume providing comprehensive guidance on a specific subject or the operation of a device. Often structured as a reference work for technical or mechanical procedures.


SIMPLE

I need to read the manual to fix the printer.

CONTEXTUAL

The technician consulted the service manual to identify the correct replacement part for the engine.

COMPLEX

While digital interfaces have become more intuitive, complex industrial machinery still requires a physical manual to ensure operators follow safety protocols during an emergency shutdown.

Antonyms
Etymology 1

From Middle English manuel, from Old French manuel, from Late Latin manuāle (“handbook, manual”).

Etymology 2

From Middle English manuel, from Anglo-Norman manuel, Old French manual, from Latin manuālis, from manus (“hand”).

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