Manual: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly refers to an instructional book for complex tasks or equipments. It emphasizes detailed instructions and is often technical.

• The technician had to refer to the equipment manual to fix the issue

A concise reference book that gives essential principles and practical instructions for specific fields or subjects, often used in academic or professional settings.

• The employee handbook explains the company's policies and procedures

A document or tool that provides general directions or tips, often used for travel, self-help, or navigating complex topics.

• The tourist guide helped us find the best restaurants in the city

A booklet or manual containing detailed technical instructions on how to assemble, operate, or troubleshoot a product. Used specifically for detailed, step-by-step instructions.

• Before setting up the new printer, it's important to read the instruction manual carefully

Used to describe tasks or operations that are performed by hand or require physical effort without the aid of automation or machinery.

• Manual labor, manual transmission, manual instruction

Used to specify devices or tools that need human effort to function, emphasizing that no motor or automated mechanism is involved.

• Hand-operated drill, hand-operated winch, hand-operated pump

Emphasizes the lack of automation in a process or device. Typically used to distinguish between automatic and non-automatic versions of something.

• Non-automatic coffee maker, non-automatic washing machine, non-automatic gate

Describes activities or jobs that require bodily strength and involve moving or handling objects. Often highlights the physical effort involved.

• Physical labor, physical work, physical exercise