manipulate
gb/mənˈɪpjəlˌeɪt/ us/mənˈɪpjəlˌeɪt/
B2
English
~ 4200
manipulál, kezel, mozgat, állít, módosít, feldolgoz
VERB
B2
1
manipulál
B2
Usage pattern:
to manipulate [someone/something]
The politician was accused of trying to manipulate public opinion before the election.
A politikust azzal vádolták, hogy a választás előtt megpróbálta manipulálni a közvéleményt.
He manipulated his coworkers into doing his share of the work.
Manipulálta a munkatársait, hogy helyette elvégezzék a rá háruló munkát.
The company manipulated the figures to make their profits look higher.
She knows how to manipulate people to get what she wants.
Learner examples
He manipulated his friend to get money.
Manipulálta a barátját, hogy pénzt szerezzen tőle.
The ad tried to manipulate people to buy the product.
A reklám megpróbálta manipulálni az embereket, hogy megvegyék a terméket.
She manipulated him to help her with work.
They manipulated the story to make it sound better.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'manipulate' with 'manage'; 'manage' does not usually imply dishonesty.
Meaning
Control or influence unfairly
Collocations
manipulate the media
|manipulate emotions
|manipulate the results
|manipulate people
|manipulate public opinion
Synonyms
exploit (Suggests taking advantage of someone for personal gain, often more openly negative.)
|
influence (Can be neutral or positive; less likely to imply dishonesty.)
Antonyms
support (Helping someone without trying to control them.)
|
assist (Helping in a straightforward and honest way.)
Themes
psychology
|relationships
|business
Definition
To make someone do what you want by using clever or unfair methods.
To control, influence, or manage someone or something, often in a clever, unfair, or dishonest way.
VERB
B2
2
Usage pattern:
to manipulate [object]
The surgeon manipulated the instruments with great precision.
A sebész nagy pontossággal kezelte a sebészeti eszközöket.
You can manipulate the settings to get better sound quality.
Állíthatsz a beállításokon, hogy jobb hangminőséget érj el.
Scientists can manipulate cells in a laboratory.
He manipulated the joystick to steer the drone.
Learner examples
She manipulated the camera to get a better picture.
Úgy állította be a kamerát, hogy jobb képet kapjon.
He manipulated the toy car with his hand.
Kézzel mozgatta a játékautót.
The worker manipulated the machine carefully.
You can manipulate the screen with your fingers.
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse this meaning with 'manipulate' in a dishonest sense; here it is physical handling.
Meaning
Handle skillfully with hands or tools
Collocations
manipulate the controls
|manipulate objects
|manipulate data
|manipulate machinery
Synonyms
operate (Focuses on working a machine or device, not necessarily with fine skill.)
|
handle (General term for touching or controlling an object; less emphasis on skill.)
Antonyms
neglect (Failing to handle or control something.)
Themes
technology
|science
|crafts
|work
Definition
To move or control something with your hands in a skilled way.
To move, arrange, or operate something skillfully, especially with the hands or a tool.
VERB
B2
TECHNICAL
3
Usage pattern:
to manipulate [data/information/variables]
The software allows you to manipulate images easily.
A szoftverrel könnyen módosíthatod a képeket.
Researchers manipulated the variables to test different scenarios.
A kutatók módosították a változókat, hogy különböző forgatókönyveket teszteljenek.
He was charged with manipulating financial records.
Graphic designers often manipulate photos to improve appearance.
Learner examples
You can manipulate data in the computer program.
A számítógépes programban adatokat módosíthatsz.
The scientist manipulated the numbers for the test.
A tudós módosította a számokat a teszthez.
The company manipulated the report for better results.
I can manipulate photos with this app.
Meaning
Adjust data for desired result
Collocations
manipulate data
|manipulate statistics
|manipulate variables
Synonyms
process (Neutral term for handling data; lacks implication of intent.)
|
alter (General term for changing something; not necessarily for a specific outcome.)
Antonyms
preserve (Keep data unchanged.)
Themes
technology
|science
|business
Definition
To change numbers, information, or data to get the result you want.
To change, arrange, or process information, data, or variables to achieve a specific outcome.
Grammar
Dictionary form
manipulate
IPA
GB/mənˈɪpjəlˌeɪt/
US/mənˈɪpjəlˌeɪt/
Syllables & stress
ma - nip - u - late (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (nip)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: manipulate
- 3rd Person Singular: manipulates
- Present Participle: manipulating
- Past: manipulated
Word family
Forms
manipulates
verb
manipulating
verb
manipulated
verb
Core family
manipulation
noun B2
manipulative
adjective B2
Related words
manipulator
noun
Advanced or less common
manipulable
adjective
manipulatively
adverb
Expressions
manipulate public opinion
1/mənˈɪpjəlˌeɪt pˈʌblɪk əpˈɪnjən/
fixed phrase
Influence people's views unfairly
To make people think a certain way by using unfair methods.
Examples
- The government was accused of manipulating public opinion through propaganda.
- Media outlets can sometimes manipulate public opinion without people realizing it.
manipulate the market
1/mənˈɪpjəlˌeɪt ðə mˈɑɹkɪt/
fixed phrase
Unfairly influence financial markets
To change prices in the market in an unfair way to make money.
Examples
- The company was fined for trying to manipulate the market.
- Traders were accused of manipulating the market for their own benefit.