1. Definition and Core Meaning
“Maneuver” can be used as both a noun and a verb. As a verb, its core meaning is to perform a skillful, strategic, or carefully - planned movement or series of movements. When used as a noun, it refers to such a movement or a strategic action. For example, in a military context, soldiers might “maneuver” into position, which means they are making calculated movements to gain an advantage or achieve a specific objective. The corresponding noun form could be “The military maneuver was executed flawlessly,” where “maneuver” describes the entire set of planned movements.
2. Usage in Different Contexts
Military Context
- In the military, “maneuver” is a fundamental concept. Armies, navies, and air forces use various maneuvers to achieve their strategic and tactical goals. For instance, a military unit might perform a flanking maneuver, where they move around the side of the enemy's position to gain an advantageous position. This could involve carefully coordinating the movement of troops, vehicles, or aircraft. Another example is a pincer movement, which is a complex maneuver where two or more forces converge on an enemy from different directions, like the closing of a pair of pincers. These maneuvers require precise planning, communication, and execution.
Sports Context
- In sports, “maneuver” is often used to describe the skillful movements of athletes. In a soccer game, a player might maneuver around opponents to get closer to the goal. They use techniques such as dribbling, feinting, and changing direction suddenly. Similarly, in a motor - racing event, drivers need to maneuver their cars skillfully around the track, dealing with curves, other competitors, and different track conditions. They might execute overtaking maneuvers, which require a combination of speed, timing, and knowledge of the car's capabilities.
Business and Politics Context
- In business, companies may engage in strategic maneuvers to gain a competitive edge. This could involve maneuvers such as mergers and acquisitions, where a company strategically acquires or combines with another to expand its market share, access new technologies, or cut costs. In politics, politicians might use various maneuvers to gain support for their policies. For example, they could engage in lobbying maneuvers, trying to influence other politicians or decision - makers through persuasion, negotiation, and sometimes, the promise of certain benefits.
3. Connotations
- Skill and Strategy: The use of “maneuver” often implies that the actions involved are not random but are based on skill, planning, and strategy. Whether it's a military general planning a battle maneuver or a business executive devising a corporate strategy, the term suggests that thought and expertise have gone into the actions.
- Adaptability: Maneuvering also implies the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. In a dynamic environment, like a battlefield, a sports field, or the business world, the ability to adjust the planned maneuvers in response to new developments is crucial. For example, a military unit might need to change its planned maneuver if the enemy changes their position, or a company might need to adjust its marketing maneuvers if market trends suddenly shift.
4. Comparison with Related Words
- “Maneuver” vs. “Move”: While “move” is a more general term for changing position, “maneuver” adds the elements of skill, strategy, and often, complexity. A simple “move” could be as basic as walking from one room to another. However, a “maneuver” would involve a more calculated and perhaps intricate set of actions, like a dancer performing a complex series of steps in a choreographed routine.
- “Maneuver” vs. “Operate”: “Operate” is more about the general function or operation of something, such as operating a machine or a business. “Maneuver,” on the other hand, is more focused on the specific, often strategic movements or actions within that operation. For example, a factory operator may be responsible for operating a production line, but a manager might be involved in maneuvering resources to improve the overall efficiency of the factory.