manner

man·ner | \ ˈma-nər

Definition of manner

1a(1) : a characteristic or customary mode of acting : custom stopped to speak, after the manner of the country— Ellen Glasgow

(2) : a mode of procedure or way of acting : fashion responded in a lively manner

(3) : method of artistic execution (see execution sense 1) or mode of presentation : style offers plenty of room for many jazz manners Wilder Hobson

b manners plural : social conduct or rules of conduct as shown in the prevalent customs Victorian manners

c : characteristic or distinctive bearing (see bearing sense 1), air, or deportment his poised gracious manner

d manners plural

(1) : habitual conduct or deportment : behavior mind your manners

(2) : good manners Someone should teach you some manners.

e : a distinguished or stylish air taught to acquire a manner suitable to her station

2a : kind, sort what manner of man is he

b : kinds, sorts all manner of problems

to the manner born

: fitted by or as if by birth or rearing to a particular position, role, or status was not to the manner born, and did not go to prep schools or to an Ivy League school— Peter Tryell

Other Words from manner Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about manner

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Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of manner in a Sentence

She has a very forceful manner of speaking. I objected to the manner in which the decision was made. Some people have no manners. Someone should teach you some manners! He forgot his manners and reached across the table for the salt. He painted this picture in his early manner.

Recent Examples on the Web The manner in which individual countries respond to outbreaks, whether epidemic or pandemic, is less predictable, especially for those that lack the resources, infrastructure and trained personnel needed for an adequate response. — John A. Lednicky, The Conversation, "As China suffers from coronavirus, some wonder: Is it really that serious? 3 questions answered," 7 Feb. 2020 The identity of the Democratic candidate will obviously be vitally important, but so will the manner in which the campaign is conducted. — John Cassidy, The New Yorker, "The Challenge Facing Democrats Now," 7 Feb. 2020 Hauser crafted an actual human being on screen steeped in honesty, manners, faith and a penchant for doing the right thing. — Ben Flanagan | Bflanagan@al.com, al, "Our favorite movies from 2019," 6 Feb. 2020 The coroner stated the preliminary manner of death as homicide, according to the release. — Madeline Mitchell, Cincinnati.com, "Monroe homicide: 2 arrests made after woman found dead Tuesday afternoon," 6 Feb. 2020 Given the old car's uninvolving road manners and sleepy performance, its appearance did not set up any false expectations. — Rich Ceppos, Car and Driver, "We'd Like Our Nissan Altima More If It Were Quicker," 6 Feb. 2020 Ears up •Good Dog Fetch has a five-week beginning manners class starting Feb. 16 at 6:30 p.m. — Tatia Woldt, Dallas News, "Dog About Town: Take your furry valentine out to get a photo," 6 Feb. 2020 Officials determined Ramos’ cause of death to be blunt impact injuries and the manner an accident. — Alejandro Serrano, SFChronicle.com, "Arborist’s death highlights danger of tree work across California," 3 Feb. 2020 But that line appears to be dying out: Maine's last Republican governor, Paul LePage, is regarded as a Trump forerunner for his bombastic style and offensive manner. — Author: Griff Witte, Anchorage Daily News, "Republican Sen. Susan Collins finds it’s lonely in the middle," 2 Feb. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'manner.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.