Origin: Latin suffix -al
Manual has 10 different meanings across 3 categories:
Noun · Adjective · Proper Noun
(military) a prescribed drill in handling a rifle
"The sergeant ordered the squad to execute manual before inspecting their rifles for the morning patrol."
A handbook.
"The old washing machine requires manual operation because it lacks an automatic cycle button."
A device that is operated using the hands, or by a human rather than a machine.
"The new sports car comes standard with a six-speed manual that makes shifting gears feel like part of the driving experience."
A manual transmission; a gearbox, especially of a motorized vehicle, shifted by the operator.
In plain English: A manual is a written guide that explains how to use something or do a specific task.
"The manual for the new washing machine is missing from the box."
Usage: Use "manual" as a noun to refer to a set of written instructions or guidance for operating a specific tool or system. Do not use it to describe the physical device itself, which should be called a manual-operated mechanism or simply a hand tool.
Performed with the hands.
"The machine requires a manual restart after the power surge knocked out its automatic controls."
In plain English: Manual means done by hand instead of using machines or computers.
"The manual for the new appliance is missing from the box."
Usage: Use "manual" as an adjective to describe tasks or labor that are performed by hand rather than by machines. It correctly modifies nouns like work or operations, not verbs like do or perform.
A male given name from Spanish: a rare spelling variant of Manuel, sometimes considered erroneous.
"The teacher gently corrected his report card signature, noting that 'Manual' was an uncommon and often mistaken variation of the traditional Spanish name Manuel."
The word entered English via the Old French manuel, which was borrowed from the Late Latin term meaning "handbook." Originally referring to a handbook or guide for use by hand, it retained this core sense as it traveled into modern usage.