manipulative

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

adjective

influencing or attempting to influence the behavior or emotions of others for one’s own purposes: a manipulative boss.

of or relating to manipulation of objects or parts of the body; serving to manipulate: spinal manipulative therapy.

noun

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.

Related formsma·nip·u·la·tive·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Word Origin and History for manipulatively

manipulative

adj.

1816, in literal sense, from manipulate + -ive. Related: Manipulatively; manipulativeness.