manually

American  

[man-yoo-uh-lee, -yuh-lee] / ˈmæn yu ə li, -yə li /

adverb

1. by hand or using one’s hands.

   The power source must include a manually operated switch device or circuit breaker.

   Even the entry-level model comes with dual-zone climate control, manually adjustable front seats, and Bluetooth connectivity.

2. using or requiring human effort, input, skill, power, etc..

   Data extraction was originally done manually, requiring significant resources to complete the tedious task.

   If you prefer that your information not be collected for the purpose of delivering targeted advertising, you have to manually opt out by clicking here.

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Other Word Forms

• nonmanually
  adverb
• semimanually
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of manually

manual ( def. ) + -ly

Explanation

Something that's done manually is done by hand, rather than by machine. If the recycling you leave by the curb is sorted manually, people divide it by hand into metal, plastic, glass, and paper. When you dig a hole manually, you use a shovel and the strength of your own arms and back. The opposite of this is when something's done automatically, by machine or some automated system. The adverb manually comes from the adjective manual, or "done with the hands," from the Latin root word manus, which means "hand, strength, or power over."

Example Sentences

They made that discovery after a crew was sent in overnight and manually read the temperature gauge showing the failing tank’s interior temperature.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2026

The push-button design means owners won’t have to remove and stow the roof panels manually, like in the old days.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 23, 2026

Several justices seemed drawn to the idea that the process was somehow less constitutionally troubling because the initial search involved automated filtering rather than human eyes manually reviewing every account.

From Slate • May 20, 2026

Scientists used automated image recognition software to compare the photographs and then manually checked every possible match to confirm the findings.

From Science Daily • May 20, 2026

Several staged sets of chutes deployed automatically to slow our descent, then Martinez manually piloted us to the ground, using the thrusters to slow descent and control our lateral motion.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir