Manager Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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manager

[ˈmÃĶn.ÉŠ.dʒər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

business

A person responsible for controlling or administering an organization or group of staff.

Synonyms

administrator, director, executive, supervisor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
manager

To describe someone who oversees and coordinates the work of a team or department in a business or organization.

  • The manager of the marketing department is responsible for planning campaigns.
  • I discussed the project timelines with my manager.
administrator

To refer to someone who handles the administrative tasks of an organization, like processing paperwork, managing schedules, and enforcing policies.

  • The school administrator organized the new student orientations.
  • An office administrator takes care of the daily clerical activities.
supervisor

To indicate someone who monitors and directs the daily activities of employees to ensure tasks are completed efficiently, often on a more operational level.

  • The warehouse supervisor is responsible for making sure all orders are packed correctly.
  • Her supervisor gave her feedback on her performance.
director

To mention a high-ranking executive who directs and oversees an entire department or organization, often involved in strategic decision-making.

  • The director of human resources held a meeting to discuss new hirings.
  • She was promoted to director of the R&D department last year.
executive

To describe a top-level manager, often part of the firm's leadership team, who makes important decisions and shapes the company's strategies.

  • The executive team is meeting to finalize the budget for next year.
  • As an executive, he is involved in shaping the company's future.

Examples of usage

  • He was promoted to a senior manager position.
  • The manager will make the final decision on this matter.
  • She is an efficient manager who always meets her targets.
Context #2 | Noun

sports

A person who controls the team during a game and determines strategy.

Synonyms

coach, head coach, trainer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
manager

Use this term when referring to someone who is responsible for overseeing and making decisions for an organization, team, or department. This can apply to various fields including sports, business, and entertainment.

  • She was promoted to manager of the marketing department.
  • The team manager decided to make a strategic change before the big game.
coach

This term is best utilized when talking about someone who trains and motivates a team or individual in sports or other disciplines, such as business coaching or life coaching.

  • The coach pushed the players to their limits.
  • He's a certified life coach who helps people achieve their personal goals.
head coach

Use this when referring to the primary coach responsible for leading a sports team. This term signifies a higher position and authority within the coaching staff.

  • The head coach of the football team announced a new training regimen.
  • After a successful season, the head coach was awarded 'Coach of the Year'.
trainer

This term should be used for someone who instructs or trains others in a specific skill set, often related to physical fitness, sports, or professional development.

  • The gym hired a new personal trainer to help clients with their workouts.
  • As a corporate trainer, she conducts workshops on effective communication.

Examples of usage

  • The football manager decided to make a substitution.
  • The manager's tactics helped the team win the championship.
Context #3 | Noun

computing

A program or system that controls the operation of a computer.

Synonyms

administrator, controller, supervisor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
manager

Commonly used in business environments to describe someone who is responsible for overseeing and directing the operations and staff of a department or project. Works regularly with teams, makes decisions, and ensures goals are met.

  • The manager called a meeting to discuss the quarterly sales targets.
  • As a project manager, she ensured that all deadlines were met.
controller

Typically refers to a financial role within a company, responsible for accounting, financial reporting, and budget management. Often associated with tracking and controlling financial performance.

  • The financial controller prepared the annual budget report.
  • As the controller, he oversees all financial transactions and statements.
supervisor

Usually used for someone who directly oversees and guides the work of employees, often on a more day-to-day, operational level. Can be found in various industries like manufacturing, retail, and service sectors.

  • The supervisor monitored the assembly line workers.
  • Her supervisor gave her feedback on her performance.
administrator

Often used in educational, governmental, or healthcare settings to indicate a person who handles organizational, procedural, or policy-related tasks. Focuses on maintaining the smooth operation of an organization or institution.

  • The school administrator handled all enrollment applications.
  • Healthcare administrators ensure the hospital complies with health regulations.

Examples of usage

  • The task manager allows you to see which programs are running.
  • Make sure to close any unnecessary processes in the task manager.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Fictional depictions often portray managers in a humorous light, like Michael Scott in 'The Office', focusing on their quirks and relationship with employees.
  • In movies, many successful managers are shown as charismatic leaders who inspire their teams, like in 'Moneyball' or 'The Devil Wears Prada'.
  • The role is a common theme in literature, where themes of power dynamics and ethical dilemmas arise, as in 'Lord of the Flies' or 'The Hunger Games'.

Management Theory

  • The concept of management began to formalize in the late 19th century with thinkers like Frederick Taylor, advocate of scientific management.
  • Modern management styles have evolved into various theories, including transformational and transactional leadership, which explore different ways to motivate teams.
  • Stakeholder theory, introduced in the 1980s, emphasizes that managers should consider the interests of all parties involved, not just shareholders.

Psychology

  • Research shows that emotional intelligence is crucial for effective management, helping leaders empathize with team members.
  • Studies suggest that recognizing individual motivations can improve team productivity and satisfaction.
  • The concept of 'servant leadership' emphasizes that effective managers prioritize serving their team, shifting traditional power dynamics.

Education

  • Management courses often include skills in communication, conflict resolution, and team building as essential tools for future leaders.
  • The practice of management is increasingly integrated within subjects like entrepreneurship, emphasizing innovation and creativity.
  • Real-world case studies in business education help students understand the complexities and challenges faced by managers in various industries.

Origin of 'manager'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Italian 'maneggiare', meaning 'to handle' or 'to control', reflecting the central role of handling tasks.
  • Originally, it implied a sense of training horses in the 14th century, evolving to refer to guiding people in various fields.
  • The Latin term 'manu agere', meaning 'to lead by hand', highlights the role of a manager in guiding others.

The word 'manager' originated from the Latin word 'manu agere', which means 'to lead by the hand'. It first appeared in the English language in the 16th century. The role of a manager has evolved over time to encompass various fields such as business, sports, and computing.


See also: manageability, manageable, manageableness, managed, management, managerial, managerially, managers, managing, mismanage, mismanagement, mismanager, unmanageability, unmanageable.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,825, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.