mannerly

adjective

man·​ner·​ly ˈma-nər-lē 

: showing good manners

mannerliness noun

mannerly adverb

Synonyms

• polite
• gracious

Examples of mannerly in a Sentence

When he was a child, he was quiet and mannerly.

a mannerly child is welcome everywhere

Recent Examples on the Web

The mannerly thing to do would be to respond in kind. —Judith Martin, Mercury News, 20 June 2025

From a mannerly point of view: No good will come of this. —Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 1 Aug. 2024

Remember that not all breeds are suited to all lifestyles, and some German dog breeds require a firm hand to encourage mannerly behavior. 1 Schnauzer Known for its spirited intelligence, this breed has long had a job to do on family farms as ratters, herders, guardians, and hunters. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Woman's Day, 23 Mar. 2023

Any suggestions for a mannerly approach? —Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin, oregonlive, 17 Mar. 2023

Any suggestions for a mannerly approach? —Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 17 Mar. 2023

Any suggestions for a mannerly approach? —Miss Manners | Judith Martin, Anchorage Daily News, 17 Mar. 2023

The last few years weren’t exactly a mannerly period of polite disagreement in our national life. —Rich Lowry, National Review, 2 Nov. 2021

At the previous debate, Mr. Biden quickly abandoned mannerly efforts to draw contrasts with her, and other high-polling rivals had until Tuesday largely refrained from issuing piercing criticism onstage. —Matt Flegenheimer, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1529, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mannerly

• unmannerly

Kids Definition

mannerly

adjective

man·​ner·​ly ˈman-ər-lē 

: showing good manners : polite

mannerliness noun

mannerly adverb