Mannered
/ˈmænərd/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Mannered means acting in a way that shows careful control of how you behave, often following rules about polite or proper behavior. Sometimes, it can sound or look not natural, as if someone is trying too hard to be polite or formal.
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See It in Action
Showing controlled, formal, or polite behavior
- •She spoke in a mannered way during the interview.
- •His mannered style made him seem very proper.
- •The actor gave a mannered performance, with careful gestures.
(Often negative) Acting in a way that is not natural or relaxed
- •The conversation felt mannered and a little stiff.
- •His mannered smile did not seem genuine.
- •Some people find her mannered speech hard to listen to.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'mannered' like 'polite' (A1 word), but more about how carefully and formally someone acts, sometimes too much
- ✓Picture a person at a fancy dinner who speaks very quietly and moves slowly, trying to be very proper
- ✓It's the feeling when someone seems a little stiff or not relaxed because they want to look good or correct
- ✓Sounds like 'MAN-nerd' → imagine a serious man who always watches his manners carefully, like a 'manners nerd'
- ✓Think of characters in old movies who speak very carefully and use formal words—they seem mannered
- ✓NOT like 'natural' (acting easily and relaxed)—mannered behavior can seem planned or forced
- ✓NOT like 'rude' (bad manners)—mannered means following manners, but sometimes too strictly
- ✓NOT like 'casual' (informal)—mannered is often formal and controlled
Try Other Words
- •Formal: behaving according to official or traditional rules (Use when behavior is serious and official)
- •Controlled: showing careful control over actions or emotions (Use when focusing on self-control)
- •Stiff: not relaxed or natural (Use when behavior seems forced or uncomfortable)
- •Affected: behaving in a way that is not natural, trying to impress others (Use when behavior seems fake or pretended)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: 'manner' (way of behaving) + suffix '-ed' (having the quality of)
- •Etymology: From 'manner,' Old French 'manière,' meaning way or style of doing something
- •Historical development: Originally meant simply 'having manners,' later gained a sense of being overly formal or artificial
- •Modern usage: Used to describe behavior or style that is polite but sometimes too careful or unnatural
Reflect & Connect
•How can being mannered be both good and bad in different social situations?
•Can you think of a time when someone’s mannered behavior made you feel uncomfortable or impressed?
Fill in the blanks
1.She spoke in a mannered way because she wanted to ___ a good impression at the formal event.
2.His mannered behavior made the conversation feel ___ and not very friendly.
3.Unlike casual talk, mannered speech often uses ___ words and careful pronunciation.
4.When someone is mannered, they usually try to follow ___ rules of polite behavior.
5.The actor’s mannered gestures were ___ and looked rehearsed, not natural.
6.You might feel uncomfortable if a person’s mannered style seems too ___ or forced.
7.Mannered behavior is different from relaxed behavior because it shows more ___ and control.