ENGLISH
REFERENCE

manner

n.
US //ˈmænɝ// UK //mˈænɐ// man·ner
  1. 1 the way something is done (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the way that something happens or is done.

    the mode or method in which an action is performed or an event occurs.

    Example

    He spoke in a calm manner despite the stressful situation.

    Example

    The report was written in a professional manner, addressing the technical failures without assigning personal blame to the staff.

    Usage

    Often used in the phrase 'in a ... manner'.
  2. 2 polite behaviour (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    polite ways of behaving in social situations.

    socially acceptable or polite conduct; etiquette.

    Example

    It is important to teach children good manners, like saying please and thank you.

    Example

    The diplomat was praised for his impeccable manners and his ability to navigate complex social protocols with ease.

    Usage

    Usually plural when referring to social etiquette.
    Pitfall
    He has a good manner.
    He has good manners.

    When referring to polite social behaviour in general, use the plural form 'manners'.

Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 personal style or bearing (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the way a person acts, speaks, or looks to others.

    an individual's characteristic bearing, air, or outward way of behaving.

    Example

    Her relaxed manner made everyone at the party feel comfortable.

    Example

    The doctor's bedside manner was clinical and detached, which some patients found efficient while others found it cold.

    Teacher's tip

    Commonly used in the compound 'bedside manner' to describe how a doctor treats patients.
  2. 4 type or kind (n.)
    C1 Advanced Literary Formal

    a sort or kind of something.

    a sort, kind, or variety of something; often used in the phrase 'all manner of'.

    Example

    The shop sold all manner of beautiful old books and maps.

    Example

    The investigation uncovered all manner of corruption within the local government, ranging from petty theft to large-scale fraud.

    Usage

    Commonly appears in the fixed expression 'all manner of'.
Etymology 1

From Middle English manere, maner, from Anglo-Norman manere, from Old French maniere, from Vulgar Latin *manāria, from feminine of Latin manuarius (“belonging to the hand”), from manus (“hand”). Compare French manière, Italian mannaia (“ax, axe”), Portuguese maneira and maneiro (“handy, portable”), Romanian mâner (“handle”), and Spanish manera.

Etymology 2

man + -er.

Word family

© 2026 English Reference