manage

[man-ij]

verb (used with object)

managed, managing 

1. to bring about or succeed in accomplishing, sometimes despite difficulty or hardship.

   She managed to see the governor. How does she manage it on such a small income?

   Synonyms: contrive, arrange

2. to take charge or care of.

   to manage my investments.

3. to dominate or influence (a person) by tact, flattery, or artifice.

   He manages the child with exemplary skill.

4. to handle, direct, govern, or control in action or use.

   She managed the boat efficiently.

   Synonyms: engineer, regulate, conduct, guide

5. to wield (a weapon, tool, etc.).

   Synonyms: manipulate, handle

6. to handle or train (a horse) in the exercises of the manège.

7. Archaic.,  to use sparingly or with judgment, as health or money; husband.

verb (used without object)

managed, managing 

1. to conduct business, commercial affairs, etc.; be in charge.

   Who will manage while the boss is away?

2. to continue to function, progress, or succeed, usually despite hardship or difficulty; get along.

   How will he manage with his wife gone? It was a rough time, but we managed.

manage

/ ˈmænɪdʒ /

verb

1. (also intr) to be in charge (of); administer

   to manage one's affairs

   to manage a shop

2. to succeed in being able (to do something) despite obstacles; contrive

   did you manage to go to sleep?

3. to have room, time, etc, for

   can you manage dinner tomorrow?

4. to exercise control or domination over, often in a tactful or guileful manner

5. (intr) to contrive to carry on despite difficulties, esp financial ones

   he managed quite well on very little money

6. to wield or handle (a weapon)

7. rare,  to be frugal in the use of

noun

1. an archaic word for manège

Other Word Forms

• overmanage verb (used with object)
• quasi-managed adjective
• self-managing adjective
• undermanage verb (used with object)
• undermanaged adjective
• unmanaged adjective
• well-managed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of manage¹

First recorded in 1555–65; earlier manege, from Italian maneggiare “to handle, train (horses),” derivative of mano, from Latin manus “hand”

Word History and Origins

Origin of manage¹

C16: from Italian maneggiare to control, train (esp horses), ultimately from Latin manus hand

Synonym Study

See rule.

Example Sentences

"Rural elderly residents usually receive information through door-to-door communication. It's unclear how the local authorities had informed them and managed the situation," said Awa.

From BBC

"We have very difficult fires to manage under extreme conditions, and we're seeing more of those because of climate change."

From BBC

The chase ultimately came to an end after the BearCat managed to get in front of the vehicle and cut off its path.

From Los Angeles Times

Wayne Rooney says he could have died had his wife Coleen not been there to help him manage problems with alcohol.

From BBC

"There is not like an elaborate scheme where if we take the vice-captaincy off Ollie Pope, it makes him easier to drop," said England managing director Key.

From BBC

Related Words

• administer 
• conduct 
• dominate 
• govern 
• guide 
• handle 
• maintain 
• operate 
• oversee 
• regulate 
• run 
• supervise 
• take care of 
• take over 
• train 
• use