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Synonyms

manners

British  
/ ˈmænəz /

plural noun

  1. social conduct

    he has the manners of a pig

  2. a socially acceptable way of behaving

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Explanation

Manners are the proper or polite way to behave in public. If you take the chewing gum out of your mouth and stick it behind your ear before a meal, you need to work on your manners. You can also call manners "etiquette." It shows good manners when you hold doors open for other people, say "please" and "thank you," and refrain from burping in public. Manners vary between different cultures: you're displaying good manners if you slurp your noodles in Japan, though it's bad manners in the U.S. And in some Middle Eastern countries, burping after a meal is actually a sign of excellent manners.

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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.

When he speaks to you, it’s very hard to disbelieve him; his manner’s convincing.”

From Prescott of Saskatchewan by Dunton, W. Herbert

Mrs. S. There is something the matter with Samuel, his manner’s so strange this morning!

From Three Hats A Farcical Comedy in Three Acts by Shirley, Arthur

Not that I’ve ever heard you say anything like that, but your manner’s been ... well, anyway, you’re too big a man for that, Henry.

From Rope by Hall, Holworthy

Again, this over-influence by and over-insistence upon "manner" may finally lead some to believe "that manner for manner's sake is a basis of music."

From Essays Before a Sonata by Ives, Charles

It seemed white and wholesome, but I was unable to taste it even for manner's sake.

From Travels in Alaska by Muir, John

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