mannered
Americanadjective
-
having manners as specified (usually used in combination).
ill-mannered people.
-
having distinctive mannerisms; affected.
a mannered walk.
adjective
-
having idiosyncrasies or mannerisms; affected
mannered gestures
-
of or having mannerisms of style, as in art or literature
-
(in combination) having manners as specified
ill-mannered
Other Word Forms
- nonmannered adjective
- overmannered adjective
Etymology
Origin of mannered
First recorded in 1350–1400, mannered is from the Middle English word manered. See manner 1, -ed 3
Explanation
If someone calls you mannered, it's really not a compliment. It means that the way you act seems artificial or exaggerated. Chill out. Manners are the way we behave in society, how we speak and act with other people. Use mannered to say that someone has exaggerated or unnatural manners. In combination with other words — as in well-mannered or mild-mannered — mannered can take a positive meaning, but when it's used by itself, it's a criticism. Your pretentious classmate is mannered, and an actor's stilted, phony performance is also mannered.
Vocabulary lists containing mannered
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Americanah
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Our hometown—long known as ugly, backward, corrupt, dangerous, ill- mannered, poorly maintained and shoddily dressed—had lured into our yard a world-famous brand.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 28, 2025
It was her reading of the script, and, as you noted, the sort of mannered way that the characters spoke.
From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2025
He described them as "young, boisterous lads" who were "well mannered", "well behaved" and loved.
From BBC • Oct. 3, 2024
Without much warning, these adults will suddenly start speaking in a cartoonish voice: Eric turns rummy as a mannered Brit named Charles, while Rachel murmurs as “Moopie-Moopie.”
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 18, 2023
Even his handwriting was mannered, all curves and flourishes, with a uniform elegance that looked like something printed.
From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
