Maneuver means to move or act skillfully, often involving planning and control to overcome challenges or achieve a goal.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Skillful or careful movement or action.
- Often involves planning and control.
- Used for physical, strategic, or social situations.
Overview
The word 'maneuver' (or 'manoeuvre' in British English) describes skillful movement or a clever action. It implies a degree of planning, control, and often, a need to navigate obstacles or achieve a specific objective. This can apply to physical actions, strategic planning, or even social interactions.
Usage Patterns
As a verb, 'maneuver' is often followed by prepositions like 'through,' 'into,' 'out of,' or 'around.' It can be used transitively (e.g., 'She maneuvered the car into the tight parking space') or intransitively (e.g., 'The ship maneuvered to avoid the rocks'). As a noun, it refers to the action itself (e.g., 'a clever maneuver') or a series of movements (e.g., 'military maneuvers').
Common Contexts
You'll often hear 'maneuver' used in contexts involving driving or piloting (cars, boats, planes), military operations, sports (especially team sports or those requiring agility), business strategy, and even political or social situations where someone is trying to achieve something indirectly or cleverly. For example, a politician might 'maneuver' to gain support, or a salesperson might 'maneuver' a customer into a purchase.
Similar Words Comparison
'Maneuver' is similar to 'steer,' 'navigate,' and 'guide,' but it often emphasizes more complexity or skill. 'Steer' is more about direct control, while 'navigate' implies finding a path. 'Maneuver' can also be similar to 'scheme' or 'ploy' when used as a noun for a clever, sometimes tricky, plan, but 'maneuver' often has a more neutral or even positive connotation of skill rather than deceit.
Examples
The race car driver executed a daring maneuver to overtake his opponent.
sportsEl piloto de carreras realizó una maniobra audaz para adelantar a su oponente.
The diplomat had to maneuver through complex political negotiations.
formalEl diplomático tuvo que navegar a través de complejas negociaciones políticas.
She managed to maneuver her way to the front of the crowd.
informalLogró abrirse paso entre la multitud hasta llegar al frente.
The company used a series of financial maneuvers to avoid bankruptcy.
businessLa empresa utilizó una serie de maniobras financieras para evitar la bancarrota.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
military maneuvers
maniobras militares
a change of direction
un cambio de dirección
to maneuver around
moverse alrededor de
Often Confused With
'Move' is a general term for changing position. 'Maneuver' specifically implies skill, care, or strategy in the movement, often in a challenging situation.
'Navigate' primarily means to find a way or plot a course, especially through difficult terrain or water. 'Maneuver' focuses more on the skillful execution of movement itself, often within a given path.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word 'maneuver' can be used both as a verb and a noun. As a verb, it often implies a deliberate and controlled action. As a noun, it can refer to the action itself or a series of planned movements, such as in military exercises.
Common Mistakes
Be careful not to overuse 'maneuver' for simple movements; it should imply some level of skill or complexity. Also, ensure correct spelling, especially differentiating between American ('maneuver') and British ('manoeuvre') English.
Tips
Think Skillful Movement
When you hear 'maneuver,' think of someone or something moving with precision and skill, like a dancer or a race car driver.
Beware of Tricky Plans
While often positive, 'maneuver' can sometimes imply a slightly deceptive or overly strategic plan, especially in social or political contexts.
British vs. American Spelling
Remember that 'maneuver' is the standard American spelling, while 'manoeuvre' is used in British English. Both refer to the same concept.
Word Origin
The word 'maneuver' comes from the Old French 'manuevre,' meaning 'work, conduct, movement.' It ultimately derives from Latin 'manu operari,' meaning 'to work by hand,' highlighting the idea of skillful operation.
Cultural Context
The concept of maneuver is important in many cultures, particularly in military strategy, where skillful troop movements are crucial for success. It also appears in traditional arts like martial arts or dance, emphasizing precise and controlled movements.
Memory Tip
Imagine a skilled driver (man) carefully steering (maneuver) their vehicle through a tricky path. The 'man' in maneuver can help you remember the idea of skillful control.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions'Move' is a general term for changing position. 'Maneuver' implies a more skillful, careful, or strategic type of movement, often involving navigating obstacles or achieving a specific purpose.
No, while it often describes physical actions like driving or piloting, 'maneuver' can also refer to clever plans, strategies, or actions in non-physical contexts, such as politics or business.
In the military, 'maneuvers' refer to large-scale troop movements and exercises designed to practice tactics, test equipment, and improve combat readiness.
This means to use clever tactics or subtle influence to persuade or trick someone into doing what you want them to do, often without them fully realizing they are being guided.
Test Yourself
The skilled driver had to ______ the large truck through the narrow city streets.
'Maneuver' is the correct word because it implies skillful and careful movement of a large object through a difficult space.
Which sentence correctly uses 'maneuver'?
This sentence describes a physical action requiring skill and care, which is a primary meaning of 'maneuver'.
carefully / the / space / into / pilot / maneuvered / the / small / aircraft
This sentence correctly places 'maneuvered' as the verb describing the pilot's skillful action with the aircraft.
Score: /3
Summary
Maneuver means to move or act skillfully, often involving planning and control to overcome challenges or achieve a goal.
- Skillful or careful movement or action.
- Often involves planning and control.
- Used for physical, strategic, or social situations.
Think Skillful Movement
When you hear 'maneuver,' think of someone or something moving with precision and skill, like a dancer or a race car driver.
Beware of Tricky Plans
While often positive, 'maneuver' can sometimes imply a slightly deceptive or overly strategic plan, especially in social or political contexts.
British vs. American Spelling
Remember that 'maneuver' is the standard American spelling, while 'manoeuvre' is used in British English. Both refer to the same concept.
Examples
4 of 4The race car driver executed a daring maneuver to overtake his opponent.
El piloto de carreras realizó una maniobra audaz para adelantar a su oponente.
The diplomat had to maneuver through complex political negotiations.
El diplomático tuvo que navegar a través de complejas negociaciones políticas.
She managed to maneuver her way to the front of the crowd.
Logró abrirse paso entre la multitud hasta llegar al frente.
The company used a series of financial maneuvers to avoid bankruptcy.
La empresa utilizó una serie de maniobras financieras para evitar la bancarrota.
