manual

The word “manual” means a book giving instructions on how to use or operate something. In plain terms, an instruction booklet, or an adjective for anything done by hand rather than by machine.

“Manual” is pronounced MAN-yuhl (/ˈmæn.j(u)əl/ in IPA).

Here is “manual” used in a sentence: “He checked the manual before trying to fix the printer.”

Words with a similar meaning to “manual” include handly, stick shift, stick, standard transmission and standard.

The opposite of “manual” — its antonyms — is automatic.

Depending on how it is used, “manual” can be a noun and an adjective.

The word “manual” comes from Latin. From Latin manuālis, from manus ("hand") — anything "manual" is literally hand-related.

“Manual” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

When describing machines or cars, "manual" means operated by a person, such as a car whose gears the driver changes, while "automatic" means the machine does the work itself. A manual transmission requires the driver to shift gears; an automatic one does it for you.

Both are instructional books, but a manual usually gives detailed instructions on how to operate or repair something specific, while a handbook tends to be a compact reference covering a subject or set of rules. The terms overlap and are sometimes used interchangeably.

"Manual" is a noun when it means an instruction book, as in "read the manual," and an adjective when it means done by hand or by a person, as in "manual controls." The surrounding words show which meaning applies.