Manipulative: meaning, definitions and examples

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manipulative

 

[məˈnɪpjʊlətɪv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Influencing or trying to influence the thoughts or behavior of others in a clever and dishonest way

Synonyms

calculating, deceptive, scheming.

Examples of usage

  • She is known for her manipulative behavior towards her colleagues.
  • The manipulative tactics used by the salesman were quite effective.
Context #2 | Adjective

person

Exerting shrewd or devious influence especially for one's own advantage

Synonyms

crafty, cunning, sly.

Examples of usage

  • He is a manipulative person who always tries to get what he wants.
  • She is very manipulative and knows how to manipulate situations to her advantage.
Context #3 | Noun

psychology

A person who controls or influences others in a clever or devious way

Synonyms

controller, influencer, operator.

Examples of usage

  • The manipulative in the relationship was always trying to control the other person.
  • We need to be aware of manipulatives and their tactics in order to protect ourselves.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'manipulus', which means 'handful', reflecting how it involves clever handling.
  • It evolved in the late 19th century to describe the control over situations or people.

Psychology

  • In psychology, manipulative behavior can be a sign of deeper emotional issues, often linked to insecurity.
  • Techniques like guilt-tripping, gaslighting, and playing the victim are common manipulative strategies.

Pop Culture

  • Manipulative characters often dominate stories in TV shows and movies, representing conflict and intrigue.
  • Classic examples include characters like Iago from Shakespeare’s 'Othello' and House from 'House M.D.', both skilled at influencing others.

Social Dynamics

  • Manipulation is often more prevalent in relationships where one party feels significantly more powerful.
  • Studies show that emotional intelligence can sometimes lead to manipulative behaviors if not aligned with ethics.

Ethics

  • Ethical discussions around manipulation focus on the morality of influencing others for personal gain versus mutual benefit.
  • Upholding integrity in communication is crucial to prevent manipulative interactions, promoting trust instead.

Translations

Translations of the word "manipulative" in other languages:

🇵🇹 manipulador

🇮🇳 चालाक

🇩🇪 manipulativ

🇮🇩 manipulatif

🇺🇦 маніпулятивний

🇵🇱 manipulacyjny

🇯🇵 操作的

🇫🇷 manipulateur

🇪🇸 manipulador

🇹🇷 manipülatif

🇰🇷 조작적인

🇸🇦 مناور

🇨🇿 manipulativní

🇸🇰 manipulatívny

🇨🇳 操纵的

🇸🇮 manipulativen

🇮🇸 manipúlerandi

🇰🇿 манипулятивті

🇬🇪 მანიპულატორი

🇦🇿 manipulyativ

🇲🇽 manipulador

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,598, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.