manoeuvre
noun
Manoeuvre — the British spelling of a calculated, evasive tactical action
Definition
An action aimed at evading an opponent
In depth
Manoeuvre is the British spelling variant of maneuver, naming the identical calculated action aimed at evading an opponent or achieving tactical advantage. The meaning carries no difference from its American counterpart; only the spelling convention shifts according to regional usage.
Origin
Both spellings descend from French manoeuvrer, to work by hand, and the divergence reflects British English's general tendency to retain spellings closer to their French origins, in contrast to American English's frequent preference for simplified, more phonetically direct forms.
Usage examples
"The naval manoeuvre, executed under cover of fog, caught the opposing fleet entirely off guard."
"British military histories favour the spelling manoeuvre throughout their official documentation."
"Her political manoeuvre within the party proved far more consequential than anyone initially recognised."
How to use it
Use manoeuvre for British, Irish, Australian, or other Commonwealth audiences and publications; the word is otherwise interchangeable in every respect with the American spelling.
Related concepts
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