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Manipulative vs Masterful - What's the difference?

manipulative | masterful |

As adjectives the difference between manipulative and masterful

is that manipulative is using manipulation purposefully while masterful is of or pertaining to the manner of a master of an art, technique, profession, or craft; masterly.

As a noun manipulative

is a manipulable object designed to demonstrate a mathematical concept.

manipulative

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Using manipulation purposefully.
  • * {{quote-magazine, date=2012-01
    • , author=Robert M. Pringle , title=How to Be Manipulative , volume=100, issue=1, page=31 , magazine= citation , passage=As in much of biology, the most satisfying truths in ecology derive from manipulative experimentation. Tinker with nature and quantify how it responds.}}
  • Tending to manipulate others.
  • (pejorative) Reaching one's goals at the expense of other people by using them.

    • Noun

    (en noun) (Mathematical manipulative)
  • A manipulable object designed to demonstrate a mathematical concept.
  • * {{quote-news, year=2008, date=April 25, author=Kenneth Chang, title=Study Suggests Math Teachers Scrap Balls and Slices, work=New York Times citation
    • , passage=Some children need manipulatives to learn math basics, Dr. Clements said, but only as a starting point. }} ----

    masterful

    English

    Alternative forms

    * masterfull (archaic)

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Of or pertaining to the manner of a master of an art, technique, profession, or craft; masterly.
  • :The brushwork on the skin tones was masterful .
  • In the manner of a master; very skillful.
    • The masterful conducting ensured the orchestra gave of their best .
  • Having or showing the qualities of a master vis-a-vis a dependent or subordinate; authoritative; domineering.
  • * 1847 , Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre , Chapter 14, Rochester to Jane by the fire:
    • ...do you not agree with me that I have a right to be a little masterful , abrupt; perhaps exacting, sometimes, on the grounds I stated...
  • * 1868-69 , Louisa May Alcott, Little Women , Chapter 38:
    • When John spoke in that masterful tone, Meg always obeyed, and never regretted her docility.
  • * 1908 , E. M. Forster, A Room with a View , Chapter 18, Lucy to Mr. Beebe about Cecil:
    • ...it was that he is so masterful . I found that he wouldn't let me go my own way.

    Usage notes

    Historically, definition 3 of masterful''''' (authoritative, domineering) has long been losing ground to definitions 1 and 2 (masterly, skillful). In nineteenth century US usage of '''''masterful , definition 3 was almost always meant (10:1). In contemporary US usage, however, the situation is reversed: definitions 1 or 2 are usually meant (10:1).

    Derived terms

    * masterfully * masterfulness

    Related terms

    * masterly