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

There are also administrative hurdles, such as teachers having to manually whitelist content and incompatibility with certain learning management systems districts use, some school officials said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

At the minute, we all have a meter somewhere in the house which needs to be checked manually to help work out our electricity bill.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

"Five years ago, it would not have been unusual to see people manually photoshopping pictures like the ones we are seeing, but it would never have been at this volume."

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

Saavedra and his son would drive a van up and down Los Angeles, manually packing and unloading the product to local corner stores.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

The operator would pick up the phone and manually route the call to your house.

From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson