managed

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitive or intransitive

   Succeeded in doing something difficult, often after trying hard.

   Grammar: Often followed by 'to' + infinitive: 'She managed to finish on time.' Can also be used without an object: 'I don't know how he managed.'

   Patterns

   • manage to do something
   • manage something
   • manage on something

   Despite the heavy traffic, we managed to catch our flight.

   He managed to fix the computer without any help.

   She managed the project very well and finished early.

2. 2verbtransitive

   Was in charge of a business, team, or group of people.

   Grammar: Takes an object: 'She managed the sales team.' For the past tense, 'managed' is used for all persons.

   Patterns

   • manage a company
   • manage a team
   • manage a department

   He managed a small restaurant in the city center.

   They managed the department together for five years.

Common combinations

managed to do

She managed to finish the marathon in under four hours.

well managed

The company is well managed and rarely has problems.

managed care

Managed care plans aim to control healthcare costs.

Synonyms and how they differ

succeeded

This focuses on the result, while 'managed' often suggests overcoming difficulty; 'managed to' is more common with a specific achievement.

coped

This means dealt with a situation, often without success being stated; 'managed' usually implies success.

Opposites

Word family

manage verb

Base form meaning to succeed or be in charge.

management noun

The act of controlling or organizing something, or the people who do this.

manager noun

A person who is in charge of a team or business.

manageable adjective

Able to be controlled or dealt with easily.

Commonly confused: managed or manages?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “managed”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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