adj
mannered
Mannered (adj) means having a particular, often exaggerated or artificial, style of behaving or performing. Example: “Critics found his acting overly mannered and stiff.”
adj
1
Having a particular, often exaggerated or artificial, style of behaving or performing.
"Critics found his acting overly mannered and stiff."
"She has a very mannered way of speaking that some find charming and others find affected."
How to use mannered
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes a style, often in art or behaviour, that feels artificial or exaggerated rather than natural.
When to use it
Usually used in criticism of art, writing, or performance — it carries a slightly negative, "trying too hard" tone.
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more mannered
- Superlative
- most mannered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Critics found his acting overly _____ and stiff.
Etymology
Came from Middle English manered, equivalent to manner plus -ed.
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for mannered
See all rhymes for mannered →Frequently asked questions
What does “mannered” mean?
The word “mannered” means having a particular, often exaggerated or artificial, style of behaving or performing. In plain terms, describes a style, often in art or behaviour, that feels artificial or exaggerated rather than natural.
How do you use “mannered” in a sentence?
Here is “mannered” used in a sentence: “Critics found his acting overly mannered and stiff.”
What part of speech is “mannered”?
“Mannered” is an adjective.
What is the meaning of mannered?
"mannered" (adj) means having a particular, often exaggerated or artificial, style of behaving or performing.
