First Known Use: 12th century
Dictionary
manner
noun man·ner \ˈma-nər\
: the way that something is done or happens
: the way that a person normally behaves especially while with other people
manners : behavior while with other people
Full Definition of MANNER
2
a (1) : a characteristic or customary mode of acting : custom (2) : a mode of procedure or way of acting : fashion (3) : method of artistic execution or mode of presentation : style b plural : social conduct or rules of conduct as shown in the prevalent customs <Victorian manners> c : characteristic or distinctive bearing, air, or deportment <his poised gracious manner> d plural (1) : habitual conduct or deportment : behavior <mind your manners> (2) : good manners e : a distinguished or stylish air
— man·ner·less \-ləs\ adjective
— to the manner born
: fitted by or as if by birth or rearing to a particular position, role, or status
See manner defined for English-language learners
See manner defined for kids
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Origin of MANNER
Middle English manere, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *manuaria, from Latin, feminine of manuarius of the hand, from manus hand — more at manual
Related to MANNER
- Synonyms
- etiquette, form, mores, proprieties
Synonym Discussion of MANNER
bearing, deportment, demeanor, mien, manner, carriage mean the outward manifestation of personality or attitude. bearing is the most general of these words but now usually implies characteristic posture <a woman of regal bearing>. deportment suggests actions or behavior as formed by breeding or training <your deportment was atrocious>. demeanor suggests one's attitude toward others as expressed in outward behavior <the haughty demeanor of the headwaiter>. mien is a literary term referring both to bearing and demeanor <a mien of supreme self-satisfaction>. manner implies characteristic or customary way of moving and gesturing and addressing others <the imperious manner of a man used to giving orders>. carriage applies chiefly to habitual posture in standing or walking <the kind of carriage learned at boarding school>.
method, mode, manner, way, fashion, system mean the means taken or procedure followed in achieving an end. method implies an orderly logical arrangement usually in steps <effective teaching methods>. mode implies an order or course followed by custom, tradition, or personal preference <the preferred mode of transportation>. manner is close to mode but may imply a procedure or method that is individual or distinctive <an odd manner of conducting>. way is very general and may be used for any of the preceding words <has her own way of doing things>. fashion may suggest a peculiar or characteristic way of doing something <rushing about in his typical fashion>. system suggests a fully developed or carefully formulated method often emphasizing rational orderliness <a filing system>.
method, mode, manner, way, fashion, system mean the means taken or procedure followed in achieving an end. method implies an orderly logical arrangement usually in steps <effective teaching methods>. mode implies an order or course followed by custom, tradition, or personal preference <the preferred mode of transportation>. manner is close to mode but may imply a procedure or method that is individual or distinctive <an odd manner of conducting>. way is very general and may be used for any of the preceding words <has her own way of doing things>. fashion may suggest a peculiar or characteristic way of doing something <rushing about in his typical fashion>. system suggests a fully developed or carefully formulated method often emphasizing rational orderliness <a filing system>.
MANNER Defined for Kids
manner
noun man·ner \ˈma-nər\
Definition of MANNER for Kids
1
: the way something is done or happens <She worked in a quick manner.>
2
: a way of acting <He has a gentle manner.>
3
manners plural : behavior toward or in the presence of other people <They have good manners in a restaurant.>
4
: 1sort 1 <… all manner of stories were told about it … — C. S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe>
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