manually

The word “manually” means by hand, or without the help of a machine or automatic process. In plain terms, doing something yourself, by hand, rather than letting a machine or automated system do it.

“Manually” is pronounced MAN-yuh-lee (/ˈmænj(u)əliː/ in IPA).

Here is “manually” used in a sentence: “When the software crashed, she had to enter the data manually.”

“Manually” is an adverb.

“Manually” is an uncommon word in modern English.

Manually describes a task performed by hand or through direct human effort, while automatically describes a task carried out by a machine or system without ongoing human input. The two words are commonly used as opposites when describing how a process is completed.

No, manually is also commonly used for computer and software processes, such as manually updating a file or manually approving a transaction, where it means the action was triggered by a person rather than an automated system. This extends the core sense of "without an automatic process" beyond purely physical actions.

Manually and by hand are close synonyms, but "by hand" more strongly suggests direct physical touch, such as writing or assembling something with one's hands. Manually is broader and can describe any action done without automation, including steps taken through a keyboard or control panel.