To manage means to be in charge of something and make sure it works well or gets done properly. When your teacher manages the classroom, she keeps things organized, handles problems, and helps everyone learn. When a coach manages a team, he decides who plays which position and helps the players work together.

Managing involves paying attention, making decisions, and solving problems as they come up. If you manage your time well, you figure out how long your homework will take and make sure you finish it before dinner. If you manage your allowance wisely, you spend some, save some, and don't spend it all on the first day.

The word can also mean succeeding at something difficult. When someone asks “Can you carry all those books?” and you say “I can manage,” you mean you can handle it, even if it's a bit challenging. Or if you're learning to ride a bike and finally stay upright for a full minute, you might say you managed to do it.

A manager is someone whose job involves managing: a store manager runs the store, a project manager keeps a big project on track, and a baseball manager decides the team's strategy. Good managers pay attention, stay calm under pressure, and help others succeed.