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

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 notes

In 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.

Word forms

more mannered comparative, most mannered superlative

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Critics found his acting overly _____ and stiff.

Etymology

From Middle English manered; equivalent to manner + -ed.

Origin: Middle English

Rhymes for mannered

entered tapered covered ordered altered powered layered watered revered angered severed catered

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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.