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manual

manual

204 2.8
A book that shows how to use or fix something
  • noun
  • /ˈmæn.ju.əl/
: manual
  • Before starting the assembly, make sure to read the manual for detailed instructions.
  • instruction manual
  • technical manual
  • training manual

So I'm asking you, have you read the user's manual right?

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Examples

  • Do you have a manual, please?

  • I read the maintenance manual.

  • And the book is really the, the manual for the app.

  • So I'm asking you, have you read the user's manual right?

  • You have to read the instruction manual.

  • I went out and bought a sailing manual to brush up on the terminology.

    Academic text (2013)
  • A student knows every trick in the manual for producing an acceptable term paper using Microsoft Word.

    Academic text (2013)
  • It is one of the most amazing manuals for how to change your life ever.

  • The manual says: "The agents must notify the agent in charge" that's me, "of all ongoing investigations."

  • Do read the manual.

Synonyms

guide
vsmanual
300 1.0

A book that gives simple instructions and basic information

is for practical how-to procedures with more direct application and detail
book
vsmanual
194 6.0

A set of rules used to decide how to do things

is focused on practical how-to procedures, not rule-based standards
handbook
vsmanual
62 3.1

A short book with useful information and instructions about a subject or place

is for practical, step-focused instructions rather than brief reference
booklet
vsmanual
38 1.9

A small book with information or instructions on a topic

is more detailed and larger in scope than a short pamphlet
guidebook
vsmanual
27 2.1

A book that gives information and advice about a place or activity

is for practical instructions across many contexts, not mainly travel situations
documentation
vsmanual
  • Specialized
19 3.8

Written information that explains how to use a machine or computer program

is less formal and aimed at practical everyday step-by-step use
17 2.9

A small book that tells you how to set up and use a product

is used more generally for practical how-to guidance beyond technical systems
instruction book
vsmanual
5 2.2

A book that tells you how to use or fix a device

is more general, applying to practical tasks beyond single devices
1 2.7

A small guide that shows how to set up and use a device

is used more widely for practical how-to content beyond product inserts
reference manual
vsmanual
  • Specialized
1 3.7

A book or document that gives clear facts and instructions for quick checking

is meant for step-by-step practical use, not only quick lookups
instructions
vsmanual
1 1.0

A paper or online guide that tells you how to set up and use a device

is a general practical guide that can include broader how-to information
software documentation
vsmanual
  • Specialized
1 3.5

Written guides that explain how to use a computer program

is general for practical use and applies beyond computer programs

Compounds

19 3.3

Work done with your hands or body rather than by machines

A small book that tells you how to set up and use a product

2 3.0

A person who does hard work using their hands

sex manual
  • NSFW
2 5.6

A book that gives adults advice on how to be physically closer to a partner

Skill in using the hands to do small, careful movements

reference manual
  • Specialized
1 3.7

A book or document that gives clear facts and instructions for quick checking

Hand signs for each letter used to spell words, often by deaf people

1 9.6

A set of practiced moves for holding and presenting a rifle during military drills

1 9.9

The written name of a king or queen on an official document showing personal approval

How Detailed

reference manual
  • Specialized
1 3.7
manual
204 2.8
handbook
62 3.1
booklet
38 1.9
pamphlet
87 3.1

Surface Forms

manual singular
manuals plural

Etymology

Manual as a small instruction book also comes from Latin manus 'hand', because it was a little book you could hold in your hand or use for 'hands-on' help. That's why a manual gives practical, step-by-step instructions you can follow with your hands.