manipulative

[muh-nip-yuh-ley-tiv, -yuh-luh-tiv]

adjective

1. influencing or attempting to influence the behavior or emotions of others for one’s own purposes.

   a manipulative boss.

2. of or relating to manipulation of objects or parts of the body; serving to manipulate.

   spinal manipulative therapy.

noun

1. Usually manipulatives any of various objects or materials that students can touch and move around in order to help them learn mathematical and other concepts.

   the use of blocks, flashcards, and other manipulatives in the classroom.

Other Word Forms

• manipulatively adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of manipulative¹

First recorded in 1815–20; manipulat(e) ( def. ) + -ive ( def. )

Related Words

• canny 
• considerate 
• devious 
• scheming 
• shrewd 
• wily