manner

noun

man·ner ˈma-nər

Synonyms of manner next

a(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

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

Victorian manners

: 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.

: a distinguished or stylish air

taught to acquire a manner suitable to her station

: kind, sort

what manner of man is he

: kinds, sorts

all manner of problems

mannerless

ˈma-nər-ləs

adjective

Phrases

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

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. See More

Recent Examples on the Web Djokovic’s calm manner and concentration during the game ended up prevailing, taking the tiebreaker and set. —

Elizabeth Both, NBC News, 11 Sep. 2023 Before guests parted from their seats and into the rainy night (not at all in any rushed manner as most lingered for much after dessert was served), tasseled hotel keys were dispersed among the tables, each thoughtfully engraved with guests’ names—a creative approach to the traditional gift bag. —

Jamila Stewart, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2023 The shifting forms, however, were reflected in paintings constructed from crystalline shapes assembled from brightly colored, improvisational marks, almost in the manner of song. —

Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2023 More specifically, the suit alleges, deputies failed to properly monitor Bousman or respond to his overdose in a timely manner. —

Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Sep. 2023 Her designs feel like modular building blocks for a modern wardrobe, but not in the interchangeable manner of much minimalist fashion. —

Véronique Hyland, ELLE, 7 Sep. 2023 Most states now allow canines to be used—at least in some manner—in the recovery of wounded big game, but lingering stigmas remain. —

Will Brantley, Field & Stream, 7 Sep. 2023 Make sure there are clear consequences to this action – offending posts are deleted and continued posting in this manner will result in removal from the group. —

oregonlive, 5 Sep. 2023 The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has not yet determined the cause and manner of Ellinger’s death, a spokesperson said Tuesday. —

Dan Belson, Baltimore Sun, 29 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'manner.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English manere, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *manuaria, from Latin, feminine of manuarius of the hand, from manus hand — more at manual

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler

The first known use of manner was in the 12th century

See more words from the same century