Maneuvered: meaning, definitions and examples

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maneuvered

 

[məˈnuːvər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in driving

To perform a series of skillful and controlled movements while driving a vehicle in order to change direction or position.

Synonyms

navigate, pilot, steer.

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Word Description / Examples
maneuvered

Used when talking about skillfully managing or moving something, especially in difficult or complex situations. It often implies overcoming obstacles or challenges.

  • She maneuvered her car through the narrow streets
  • The politician maneuvered his way around difficult questions
navigate

Commonly used when talking about finding a path or direction, both literally and figuratively. It can apply to physical travel as well as managing complex systems or situations.

  • He navigated the ship through the storm
  • She had to navigate the corporate politics to get the promotion
steer

Mostly used in the context of controlling the direction of a vehicle, like a car or boat. It can also indicate guiding someone or something towards a particular direction or goal.

  • He had to steer the car to avoid the obstacle
  • She tried to steer the conversation towards a more positive topic
pilot

Typically refers to controlling or guiding a vehicle, especially aircraft or boats. It can also be used metaphorically to describe leading or steering a project or initiative.

  • He piloted the plane with great skill
  • She piloted the new software implementation at the company

Examples of usage

  • He expertly maneuvered the car through the narrow streets of the city.
  • She maneuvered the truck into a tight parking spot with precision.
Context #2 | Verb

in a strategic or tactical situation

To carefully and skillfully plan and execute a series of actions in order to achieve a specific goal, especially in a competitive or challenging situation.

Synonyms

manipulate, plan, strategize.

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Word Description / Examples
maneuvered

Use this word when describing carefully planned movements or adjustments, often involving skill and dexterity. It's typically used in contexts such as driving, piloting, or military operations.

  • The pilot expertly maneuvered the plane through the storm.
  • The general maneuvered his troops to gain a tactical advantage.
plan

Commonly used for the act of making detailed arrangements or preparations ahead of time for achieving a specific goal. It's a broader term that can be used in everyday scenarios.

  • We need to plan the event carefully to ensure everything goes smoothly.
  • He plans to take a vacation next month.
strategize

Used when discussing the process of creating a detailed and systematic plan to achieve long-term or significant objectives, often used in business, games, and warfare.

  • The team spent hours strategizing for the upcoming competition.
  • It's important to strategize your moves carefully in a game of chess.
manipulate

Typically, this word carries a negative connotation and is used when someone is trying to influence or control someone else, often in a secretive or dishonest way.

  • He tried to manipulate his colleagues to climb up the corporate ladder.
  • The politician was accused of manipulating public opinion.

Examples of usage

  • The general maneuvered his troops into a position of advantage before launching the attack.
  • The team maneuvered their way through the negotiations to secure the deal.
Context #3 | Noun

in military context

A planned and skillful movement or series of movements by military forces in order to achieve a tactical or strategic goal.

Synonyms

scheme, strategy, tactic.

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Word Description / Examples
maneuvered

This word is used when describing a person's skillful or carefully controlled movement or actions, often to avoid obstacles or achieve a specific outcome.

  • She maneuvered through the crowded room to reach the exit
  • The pilot skillfully maneuvered the plane through the storm
tactic

This word is used to describe specific actions or short-term moves used to achieve a specific end. It is often part of a larger strategy.

  • He employed a new defensive tactic to stop his competitor
  • Using social media was just one tactic in their broader marketing plan
strategy

Strategy refers to a high-level plan designed to achieve one or more long-term or overall aims under conditions of uncertainty. It is often used in business, military, or games.

  • The company's new strategy aims to increase market share
  • Her chess strategy was well thought out and resulted in victory
scheme

This term often implies a planned, sometimes secretive and dishonest action or arrangement to achieve a particular goal, often seen negatively.

  • They uncovered a scheme to defraud the company
  • His scheme to take over the project was finally exposed

Examples of usage

  • The commander devised a brilliant maneuver to outflank the enemy.
  • The army executed a daring maneuver to surprise the enemy.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term has roots in the French word 'manoeuvre', meaning 'a movement requiring skill'.
  • Originally linked to military tactics, it has evolved to describe skillful movements in various contexts.
  • Related words include 'manual', which ties back to hand movements, highlighting the importance of skill.

Military Strategy

  • In historical battles, maneuvering troops effectively could determine the outcome, making strategy essential.
  • Famous generals like Sun Tzu emphasized the importance of maneuvering in warfare, reflecting its strategic value.
  • Modern military training still focuses heavily on maneuvering to adapt to changing battlefield conditions.

Psychology

  • Maneuvering in social situations often involves navigating conversations and relationships with care.
  • Psychologists note that being skilled at maneuvering emotions and reactions can lead to better interpersonal outcomes.
  • Social maneuvering can help individuals achieve goals, such as career advancement or conflict resolution.

Sports

  • In sports like football or basketball, maneuvering is crucial for strategizing and outsmarting opponents.
  • Athletes train specifically to improve their maneuvering skills, enhancing their performance in competitive settings.
  • The term also applies to various techniques in dance and gymnastics, where grace and control are paramount.

Technology

  • In robotics, maneuvering refers to the adept movement of machines in complex environments, such as factories or homes.
  • Video games often require players to maneuver their avatars skillfully to succeed in challenges or defeat enemies.
  • Autonomous vehicles use advanced algorithms to maneuver through traffic safely, reflecting the synergy of technology and skill.

Translations

Translations of the word "maneuvered" in other languages:

🇵🇹 manobrado

🇮🇳 चालाकी से चलाया गया

🇩🇪 manövriert

🇮🇩 dimanuver

🇺🇦 маневрований

🇵🇱 manewrowany

🇯🇵 操縦された

🇫🇷 manœuvré

🇪🇸 maniobrado

🇹🇷 manevra yapılmış

🇰🇷 조종된

🇸🇦 مناور

🇨🇿 manévrovaný

🇸🇰 manévrovaný

🇨🇳 操作的

🇸🇮 manerviran

🇮🇸 stjórnað

🇰🇿 маневрленген

🇬🇪 მანევრირებული

🇦🇿 manevr edilmiş

🇲🇽 maniobrado

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,474, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.