Manipulovat

Manipulovat is a Czech verb meaning to manipulate. It covers both concrete actions, such as handling or operating tools or equipment, and more abstract actions, such as influencing people, data, or systems. The connotation varies by context: neutral when referring to skilled handling of objects, but often negative when describing deceit or exploitation.

Grammar and related forms: It is a transitive verb and is typically used with a direct object in the accusative, for example, "manipulovat s nástroji" (to handle/manipulate tools) or "manipulovat data" (to manipulate data). The noun form is manipulace (manipulation); related terms include manipulátor (manipulator) and manipulativní (manipulative).

Contexts and nuance: In technical settings, "manipulovat" commonly means to prepare or alter materials or information in a controlled way, such as "manipulovat vzorky" or "manipulovat data" within a protocol. In social or political contexts, it often denotes attempts to influence or mislead others, e.g., "manipulovat veřejné mínění," which carries a negative connotation and can be associated with unethical or illegal behavior depending on the methods used.

See also: manipulace, manipulátor, manipulativní.