manner

noun

man·​ner ˈma-nər How to pronounce manner (audio)
1
a(1)
: a characteristic or customary mode of acting : custom
stopped to speak, after the manner of the countryEllen 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
2
a
: kind, sort
what manner of man is he
b
: kinds, sorts
all manner of problems
mannerless 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 schoolPeter 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.
Recent Examples on the Web Until recently, robots weren’t capable of regular human interaction — or at least in a manner that people would appreciate, let alone tolerate, at live events. Gideon Kimbrell, Rolling Stone, 13 Mar. 2024 David Wick, the project developer, said the landfill will be able to recycle and dispose of waste in an environmentally sound and economically competitive manner. Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2024 According to state prison records, Valdez was released on parole in 2023 from Sing Sing Correctional Facility, after being convicted of assault, burglary, harassment and acting in a manner injurious to a child. USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2024 Due to an editorial issue this photo by the Prince of Wales has been withdrawn … and may no longer by used in any manner. Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2024 Don’t forget your manners: Corkage is a courtesy, so be courteous. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 10 Mar. 2024 Judith West narrates this superb biography in a methodical manner that takes getting used to, but eventually her voice’s clarity and steady pace strike the listener as appropriate to relaying the myriad details of this courageous, politically momentous life. Katherine A. Powers, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2024 The case will be investigated with suspicion until officers confirm the cause and manner of death. Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 9 Mar. 2024 Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret is designed to appeal to free-spirited souls seeking a wildly indulgent, yet refreshing spirit for glorious gatherings of all manner — inspired by Parisian parties in the 1920s when stone fruit was all the rage. Amber Love Bond, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024

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

Dictionary Entries Near manner

Cite this Entry

“Manner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/manner. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

manner

noun
man·​ner ˈman-ər How to pronounce manner (audio)
1
a
: sort entry 1 sense 1a, kind
what manner of fools are they
b
: various kinds
usually used in the phrase all manner of
2
a
: normal behavior : habit, custom
spoke bluntly as was her manner
b
: a way of acting or proceeding
worked in a brisk manner
c
: style entry 1 sense 1
painted in the artist's early manner
3
plural
a
: social conduct or rules of conduct as shown in the prevailing customs
b
: characteristic or habitual conduct : behavior
taught the child good manners
especially : polite behavior

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