Manage
/ˈmænɪdʒ/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo control or direct the course of something; to handle with skill.
/ˈmænɪdʒ/
To be in charge of; to control or direct.
She manages a team of five employees.
💡 Simply: Think of managing like being the boss of something. If you manage a project, you're in charge of making it happen, like the person who decides what everyone does and when they do it.
👶 For kids: To be in charge of something and make sure it's done right, like a teacher managing a class.
More Examples
He's learning how to manage his finances.
Can you manage to finish this task by tomorrow?
The director manages the film production process.
How It's Used
"The CEO manages the entire company."
"I struggle to manage my time effectively."
To succeed in doing or dealing with something, often with some difficulty.
/ˈmænɪdʒ/
To succeed in doing something; to be able to cope.
He managed to get a ticket to the concert.
💡 Simply: Managing can also mean getting something done even though it's hard. Like when you manage to carry all your groceries at once, even if it's a little awkward!
👶 For kids: To be able to do something, even if it's tricky, like managing to tie your shoelaces.
More Examples
She managed to solve the puzzle in minutes.
How did you manage to finish the marathon?
We managed a quick response to the emergency.
How It's Used
"Despite the challenges, they managed to finish the project on time."
"She managed a smile despite her disappointment."
To make a situation or event happen.
/ˈmænɪdʒ/
To make a situation or an event happen.
They managed a quick escape.
💡 Simply: Like when someone makes something happen, like managing to get your birthday party planned.
👶 For kids: To make something happen, like managing to get a new toy!
More Examples
She managed a quiet exit from the meeting.
They managed a good relationship, despite their differences.
The company managed to make a profit.
How It's Used
"The organizers managed a successful conference."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
manage to do something
To succeed in doing something difficult or unexpected.
"She managed to finish the marathon despite her injury."
From Old Italian *maneggiare* ('to handle, train horses'), ultimately from Latin *manus* ('hand'). The word's meaning evolved from handling horses to overseeing and controlling a process or situation.
Historically, 'manage' was used in a very literal sense to mean controlling or handling things, such as horses. Over time, it expanded to include the overseeing of more abstract things like businesses and finances.
Memory tip
Imagine a conductor managing an orchestra; they control the music's flow.
Word Origin
"to handle, train horses"