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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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
That style also means that “Dust Bunny” is quite fussy and mannered and if you don’t buy in on the film’s arch humor and stylized world, you’re liable to bounce right off of it.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2025
The club further described Kian as "the most genuine, well mannered and unassuming young lad", adding he was a credit to both the club and his parents.
From BBC • Aug. 25, 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
On the surface, he was the embodiment of every parent’s dream, a strong, tall, well-dressed and well- mannered boy with talent and striking looks, not to mention the wit to joke with an adult.
From "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini
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.
