VocabDictionary

maneuvering

//məˈnuːvərɪŋ//intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

The execution of controlled, skillful movements, or the act of scheming to achieve a specific goal.

Example Sentences:
  • The yacht's docking required precise maneuvering in the tight, crowded harbor.
  • After weeks of intense political maneuvering, the coalition government was finally formed.
2.verb

Present participle of maneuver: moving skillfully or carefully, or guiding a situation craftily.

Example Sentences:
  • She was carefully maneuvering her car into a very narrow parallel parking space.
  • He spent the entire evening maneuvering himself into a position to speak with the CEO.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “maneuvering”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the verb 'maneuver', which comes from the Middle French 'manœuvre' (meaning 'manual labor' or 'work of the hand'). This in turn originates from the Medieval Latin 'manuopera' (hand-work), combining Latin 'manus' (hand) and 'opera' (work). Over time, the meaning shifted from physical hand-work to tactical military movements, and eventually to any skillful or scheming guidance.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'man' using his hands to 'operate' (man-u-ver) a steering wheel through a tricky obstacle course.

Frequently Asked Questions About “maneuvering

1. What is the meaning of “maneuvering” in English?

In English, maneuvering (noun) is defined as: “The execution of controlled, skillful movements, or the act of scheming to achieve a specific goal.”.

2. How do you use “maneuvering” in a sentence?

The yacht's docking required precise maneuvering in the tight, crowded harbor.

3. What are English synonyms of “maneuvering”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “maneuvering”?

Derived from the verb 'maneuver', which comes from the Middle French 'manœuvre' (meaning 'manual labor' or 'work of the hand'). This in turn originates from the Medieval Latin 'manuopera' (hand-work), combining Latin 'manus' (hand) and 'opera' (work). Over time, the meaning shifted from physical hand-work to tactical military movements, and eventually to any skillful or scheming guidance.