Manually
/ˈmænjuəli/
Definitions
In a way that involves using your hands or physical effort rather than machines or automated processes.
/ˈmænjuəli/
By hand; not by machine or automatically.
The machine broke down, so we had to do the task manually.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're building a Lego set. If you put each brick together by hand, instead of using a robot, you're doing it manually! It means you're using your hands to do a job.
👶 For kids: Doing something with your hands, not with a machine.
More Examples
She prefers to sharpen her pencils manually instead of using an electric sharpener.
The system requires the user to update the software manually.
How It's Used
"The technician manually entered the data."
"The product was assembled manually, requiring careful attention."
From Late Latin *manuālis* ('of or relating to the hand') + -ly. *Manualis* derived from *manus* (hand). The use of 'manual' for something operated or done by hand dates back to the 17th century.
Used since the 17th century, the term has evolved along with technology. In earlier usage, it often referred to actions done by hand, such as writing or copying. The term's relevance increased with the advent of machinery and automation.
Memory tip
Think of a manual labor job, where you use your hands. The adverb 'manually' describes the action of doing something with your hands.