manner
n. C / Un. the way that you do something or the way that you behave toward other people.
n. the way in which something is done or happens; a person's outward bearing or way of behaving toward others.
She answered the phone in a very professional manner.
The doctor had a calm manner that immediately made the nervous patient feel more comfortable.
While the technical results were impressive, the aggressive manner in which the CEO presented them alienated several potential investors during the final round of funding.
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.
man + -er.
Often used in the singular with an adjective to describe a specific style of action.
He spoke in a rude mannersHe spoke in a rude mannerWhen describing a specific way of doing something, use the singular 'manner'; the plural 'manners' refers specifically to social etiquette and politeness.