Maneuver: meaning, definitions and examples

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maneuver

 

[mษ™หˆnuห.vษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in military context

A movement or series of moves requiring skill and care, especially in a military context.

Synonyms

manipulation, strategy, tactic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
maneuver

In British English, 'maneuver' is spelled 'manoeuvre' but retains the same meanings.

  • The driver performed a difficult parking manoeuvre.
  • The army's manoeuvres in the desert were impressive.
tactic

Use 'tactic' when talking about specific actions or steps taken to achieve a short-term goal within the broader context of a larger plan or strategy.

  • His aggressive tactics on the football field earned him several penalties.
  • She used clever tactics to negotiate a better deal.
strategy

Use 'strategy' when referring to a long-term plan designed to achieve a specific goal. It usually involves careful planning and consideration of many factors.

  • The company's marketing strategy has led to increased sales.
  • We need to develop a strategy to win the upcoming election.
manipulation

Use 'manipulation' when referring to controlling or influencing someone or something in a skillful but often unfair or dishonest way. It generally has a negative connotation.

  • His manipulation of the facts led to widespread misinformation.
  • She was accused of emotional manipulation to get her way.

Examples of usage

  • The army carried out a clever maneuver to outflank the enemy.
  • The general planned a brilliant maneuver to surprise the enemy forces.
Context #2 | Verb

driving context

To move skilfully or carefully in a particular direction, especially while driving a vehicle.

Synonyms

navigate, pilot, steer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
maneuver

Utilize when describing the skillful or careful movement of a vehicle, especially in complicated or tight spaces.

  • He skillfully maneuvered his car into the tight parking spot.
  • The pilot had to maneuver through a narrow canyon.
navigate

Best suited for describing the act of planning and directing a route or course, especially on a journey or through a complex system.

  • They used a map to navigate through the dense forest.
  • She had to navigate through the bureaucratic red tape.
steer

Applies to the action of guiding or directing a vehicle or vessel, making sure it goes in the correct direction.

  • She carefully steered the boat through the crowded harbor.
  • He had to steer the car away from the pedestrian.
pilot

Ideal for referring specifically to the act of controlling the flight of an aircraft, though it can also mean leading or guiding a project or process.

  • He learned how to pilot a small aircraft.
  • She piloted the new software project at the company.

Examples of usage

  • The driver maneuvered the car smoothly through the narrow streets.
  • She maneuvered her way through heavy traffic to reach the airport on time.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the French term 'manoeuvre', which means a skillful movement.
  • Its roots trace back to the Latin word 'manu operare', meaning 'to work by hand', emphasizing skill and deliberate action.
  • Initially, the term was used in military contexts before expanding to various fields.

Military History

  • In military strategies, maneuvers are planned movements of troops to gain an advantage over the enemy.
  • Famous military generals, like Napoleon, were noted for their skilled maneuvers on the battlefield, often turning the tide of conflicts.
  • Maneuvers can include feigning retreat to draw the enemy into a trap.

Psychology

  • Maneuvering in social situations often involves navigating tricky conversations or negotiations with care.
  • Cognitive maneuvering refers to how people adjust their thinking patterns to solve complex problems.
  • Effective emotional maneuvering can help individuals manage their feelings and reactions in stressful scenarios.

Sports

  • In sports, maneuvering refers to the skillful movements players make to outsmart opponents, like a quarterback dodging defenders.
  • Gymnasts perform maneuvers that require precise body movements for routines, often scoring high for execution.
  • Maneuvering in racing involves strategic driving to overtake competitors while navigating the track.

Everyday Life

  • People maneuver their cars in tight spaces when parking, requiring skill and focus.
  • Everyday tasks like cooking often involve maneuvering utensils around ingredients to create a meal.
  • In dance, performers maneuver their bodies fluidly to express emotions through movement.

Translations

Translations of the word "maneuver" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น manobra

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคšเคพเคฒ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Manรถver

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ manuver

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะผะฐะฝะตะฒั€

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ manewr

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆ“ไฝœ (ใใ†ใ•)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท manล“uvre

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ maniobra

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท manevra

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์กฐ์ž‘

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ู†ุงูˆุฑุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ manรฉvr

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ manรฉver

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆœบๅŠจ (jฤซdรฒng)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ manever

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hreyfing

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะผะฐะฝั‘ะฒั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒแƒœแƒ”แƒ•แƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ manevr

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ maniobra

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,445, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.