manage
gb/mˈænɪd͡ʒ/ us/mˈænɪd͡ʒ/
A2
English
~ 700
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
action
1
Be in charge of something
To be in control of and make decisions about something like a job, project, or group.
Usage pattern:
to manage [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'manage' with 'control'; 'manage' often includes planning and organization, not just having power over something.
Synonyms
supervise (Implies overseeing the work of others, often with less focus on decision-making authority.)
|
run (More informal and common for operating a business or organization.)
Antonyms
neglect (Implies failing to take care of or control something properly.)
Collocations
manage a team
|manage a business
|manage resources
|manage a project
|manage staff
Themes
business
|work
|organization
Examples
- She manages a team of designers at the company.
- He has managed several successful marketing campaigns.
- The restaurant is managed by an experienced chef.
- They hired her to manage the new branch office.
Learner examples
- I manage a small shop.
- She manages a team at work.
- He manages a big project.
- We manage the school club.
Verb
A2
action
2
Succeed in something hard
To succeed in doing something that is hard or takes effort.
Usage pattern:
to manage to [do something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes omit 'to' after 'manage' when followed by another verb (correct: 'manage to do', not 'manage do').
Synonyms
accomplish (More formal; often used for notable achievements.)
|
succeed (General term for achieving a goal; doesn't always imply difficulty.)
Antonyms
fail (Not succeed in doing something.)
Collocations
manage to finish
|manage to escape
|manage to win
|manage to survive
Themes
daily life
|effort
|achievement
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I finally managed to fix the computer after hours of trying.
- She managed to pass the exam despite being sick.
- They managed to escape before the fire spread.
Learner examples
- I managed to open the door.
- She managed to finish her homework.
- He managed to win the game.
- We managed to cook dinner before guests came.
Verb
B1
action
3
Cope with a situation
To deal with a problem or difficult time and keep going.
Usage pattern:
to manage [a situation/problem]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse this sense with 'control'; here it can mean simply coping, not necessarily having full control.
Synonyms
handle (Common and general; can be more informal.)
|
cope with (Often emphasizes enduring or surviving rather than controlling.)
Antonyms
struggle with (Indicates difficulty in dealing with something without success.)
Collocations
manage stress
|manage time
|manage conflict
|manage emotions
Themes
emotions
|daily life
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She managed her stress by practicing meditation.
- He managed the crisis calmly and effectively.
- We need to learn how to manage our time better.
Learner examples
- I manage my time well.
- She manages her stress at work.
- He manages problems easily.
- We manage our money carefully.
Verb
A2
action
4
Use resources effectively
To use things like money or time in a good way so they are not wasted.
Usage pattern:
to manage [resources/time/money]
Synonyms
allocate (More formal; emphasizes assigning resources for specific purposes.)
Antonyms
waste (Use resources carelessly or without benefit.)
Collocations
manage finances
|manage time well
|manage energy
Themes
finance
|organization
|work
Examples
- You need to manage your finances wisely.
- He manages his time so he can study and work.
- They managed their energy well during the long trip.
Learner examples
- I manage my money carefully.
- She manages her time well.
- He manages his food so it lasts longer.
Grammar
Dictionary form
manage
IPA
GB/mˈænɪd͡ʒ/
US/mˈænɪd͡ʒ/
Syllables & stress
man - age (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (man)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: manage
- 3rd Person Singular: manages
- Present Participle: managing
- Past: managed
Word family
Forms
manages
verb
managing
verb
managed
verb
Core family
manager
noun A2
management
noun B1
Related words
manageable
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
Advanced or less common
managerial
adjective B2
Expressions
manage to get by
1/mˈænɪd͡ʒ tə ɡˈɛt bˈaɪ/
phrasal verb
Survive with limited resources
To have just enough money or resources to live, but not more.
Examples
- Even on his small salary, he manages to get by.
- They manage to get by without a car in the city.
manage without
1/mˈænɪd͡ʒ wɪðˈaʊt/
phrasal verb
Succeed without something needed/wanted
To be able to do something even though you do not have what you usually need or want.
Examples
- We can manage without extra help for now.
- She had to manage without her phone all day.
time management
1/tˈaɪm mˈænɪd͡ʒmənt/
fixed phrase
Organizing how time is used
The skill of planning your time well so you can do all your tasks.
Examples
- Good time management is essential for success at work.
- She took a course in time management.
well-managed
1/wˈɛl mˈænɪd͡ʒd/
fixed phrase
Organized and controlled well
Organized and controlled in a good way.
Examples
- It’s a well-managed company with happy employees.
- The event was smooth and well-managed.