What does manually mean?
Manually means by hand, or through direct human action rather than through a machine, electronic system, or automated procedure. It is used when someone performs a task themselves, such as entering data, adjusting a control, checking a document, or operating equipment. The adverb is especially common in technical instructions, workplace procedures, and descriptions of systems that require direct intervention. Its meaning is generally neutral, though it can sometimes carry the implication that a process is less efficient or more labor-intensive than an automated alternative. The word is related to manual, an adjective describing something performed or controlled by hand, and to a broader family of English words derived from the Latin word manus, meaning “hand.”
In a way performed by hand or by direct human action, without a machine or automated system.
"The records must be transferred manually."
This is the usual and dominant use of the word.
Requiring or involving action by hand rather than by machine or automation.
"The system has a manually operated backup valve."
This use is less common than the adverbial use and is typical in technical or descriptive contexts.
The word's roots literally point to the hand: it comes from Latin manus, meaning “hand,” so to do something manually is still to do it with your own hands.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does manually come from?
The adverb manually was formed in English from manual with the suffix -ly. In turn, manual comes through French from Latin manualis, meaning “of the hand” or “belonging to the hand,” ultimately derived from manus, “hand.” The same Latin root also appears in related words such as manuscript and maintain.
How manually is actually used
The word is common in technical, administrative, and instructional contexts. It may suggest careful human control, but can also imply that a process is slower, less efficient, or outdated compared with an automated one.
Easily confused with manually
Manual is an adjective or noun, while manually is primarily an adverb: a manual describes something involving the hand, whereas manually describes an action performed by hand.