Manipulative Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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manipulative

[mษ™หˆnษชpjสŠlษ™tษชv ]

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.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

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 Shakespeareโ€™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.

Origin of 'manipulative'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'manipulative' originated from the Latin word 'manipulat-' which means to handle or control. Over time, the word evolved to encompass the idea of influencing or controlling others in a clever or deceitful manner. The concept of manipulation has been studied in psychology and sociology, highlighting the different tactics and behaviors associated with manipulative individuals.


See also: manipulably, manipulating, manipulation, manipulations.

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.