Manner Meaning

Manner Definition & Usage
A way of doing something or behaving in a particular situation.
Examples
- "She has a very polite manner of speaking."
- "His manner of work is always thorough and efficient."
- "The children were taught to behave in a calm manner during meals."
- "I prefer to approach challenges with a methodical manner."
- "Her manner of dress was quite elegant, fitting the occasion perfectly."
A person's outward bearing or behavior; the way they conduct themselves, especially in social situations.
Examples
- "His manner was friendly and approachable."
- "She greeted everyone with a calm manner, even in stressful situations."
- "The teacher's stern manner made the students nervous."
- "She had a charming manner that won over everyone she met."
- "Despite his formal manner, he was quite approachable once you got to know him."
A particular style or kind of something, such as art, literature, or architecture.
Examples
- "The building was designed in the modernist manner."
- "His paintings reflect an impressionistic manner of expression."
- "She speaks in a scholarly manner, always using formal language."
- "The chef prepared the dish in a traditional Italian manner."
- "The author writes in a romantic manner, focusing on emotions."
Cultural Context
The word 'manner' has roots in Middle English, derived from Old French and Latin, with strong associations to both behavior and method. Over time, it has evolved to cover a broad range of meanings, from the way one conducts themselves to the distinct style or approach used in a specific activity or field.
A Meeting of Minds
Story
A Meeting of Minds
At the prestigious literature conference in New York, two writers, Sarah and Ben, found themselves seated next to each other during a panel discussion. Both were renowned in their fields, but their manners couldn't have been more different. Sarah, a graceful and reserved author, spoke with an air of calm that put everyone at ease. She had a manner of speaking that was precise, thoughtful, and never rushed, making it clear that she considered every word before it left her lips. Ben, on the other hand, was passionate and often animated in his speeches. His manner of communicating was lively and bold, with expressive gestures that made every sentence feel like a performance. Despite their differences, both writers had a profound effect on their audience, captivating them with their unique approaches. During a break, Sarah and Ben sat together, discussing their latest works. Ben admired Sarah's methodical manner of writing—how she took her time with each novel, layering ideas like an artist adding strokes to a canvas. Sarah, in turn, was intrigued by Ben’s bold and rapid creative process, how he would burst out an entire novel in a few months, driven by the fervor of his imagination. "I envy your speed," Sarah remarked. "But I suppose I just can’t write in your manner. My approach is slower, more measured." "I respect your focus," Ben replied. "It takes discipline to work in such a manner, and it's something I’ve been trying to learn from you. I think we both appreciate the value of a good manner, whether it's in writing or in how we behave with others." As they spoke, their conversation moved from writing to the topic of social manners. Ben, with his exuberant manner, was often considered a bit too forward at social gatherings, whereas Sarah’s calm demeanor made her the darling of any crowd. Yet, both understood that there was power in manner, whether it was the style of a writer’s pen or the approach one took in interactions with others. Their discussion deepened, exploring the nuances of cultural expectations and personal expression. They realized that in many ways, the 'manner' in which something is done—whether it’s speaking, writing, or even just existing—reveals much about a person’s character. In the end, they agreed that there wasn’t a right or wrong way to carry oneself; the beauty lay in the diversity of manners, each unique and reflective of individual experiences and cultures.

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