manner
/ˈmænə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈmænər/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈma-nər/ (ame, mw)
manner — noun
1. the particular way in which you do something or the way something happens or is
the particular way in which you do something or the way something happens or is experienced
Owen recounted his childhood adventures in a humorous manner that made everyone laugh.
in a + adjective + manner pattern
Abigail cooked the meat in the same manner her grandmother had always done.
Linh folded the paper crane in the gentle manner her origami teacher had shown her.
The children were shocked by the manner in which their parents delivered the news.
Lakan handled the customer complaint in a professional manner that satisfied everyone.
- way
more general and neutral; can be used in most contexts where 'manner' fits
- method
implies a deliberate, step-by-step system rather than just a general way
- fashion
slightly more formal; very similar to 'manner' in the 'in a...fashion' pattern
- mode
more technical or formal; often used in computing, science, or statistics
文法句型
in a + adjective + manner
in the manner that...
manner of + noun
用法筆記
This is the broadest and most common sense. It often appears in the pattern 'in a + adjective + manner' (e.g. 'in a timely manner'). Differentiate from 'method', which implies a deliberate, step-by-step procedure rather than just a general way.
常見錯誤
2. a way of making something that copies the style of a particular artist, place, o
a way of making something that copies the style of a particular artist, place, or period
The young painter worked in the manner of the great Renaissance masters.
in the manner of + artist/style
Gabriel built the garden shed in the manner of a traditional Japanese teahouse.
Chiara prepared the dessert in the manner of a French patisserie chef.
Lara sang the folk song in the manner of the musicians from her home village.
文法句型
in the manner of + noun
after the manner of + noun
用法筆記
Always appears in the fixed pattern 'in the manner of + noun'. Common in discussions of art, architecture, music, cooking, and literature. Do not confuse with sense 1 (WAY OF DOING), where 'manner' describes how a task is done rather than whose style it imitates.
常見錯誤
3. the way someone behaves or presents themselves, especially in their interactions
the way someone behaves or presents themselves, especially in their interactions with other people
Yael spoke to the interviewer in a calm and confident manner.
adjective + manner describing behaviour
Ritu has a warm manner that puts everyone around her at ease.
The doctor's gentle manner helped the frightened child relax during the check-up.
Felix adopted a very formal manner when he met his new boss.
Tendai's polite manner towards the elderly visitors earned him a lot of respect.
文法句型
possessive + manner
manner towards + noun
用法筆記
Describes someone's general way of behaving or their personal style of interacting with others. Unlike sense 1 (WAY OF DOING), this sense is about social conduct and interpersonal style, not about how a task is performed. Frequently paired with adjectives describing personal qualities (warm, calm, gentle, brusque, formal).
常見錯誤
4. the socially correct and polite ways of behaving in public or when dealing with
the socially correct and polite ways of behaving in public or when dealing with other people — always used in the plural form 'manners'
Élise taught her children good table manners from a very young age.
table manners — eating etiquette
It is bad manners to talk with food still in your mouth.
it is + adjective + manners to + infinitive
Darius had the good manners to hold the door for the elderly woman.
Aarav was praised by the dinner hosts for his excellent manners throughout the evening.
Their children have terrible manners — they never say please or thank you.
- etiquette
more formal; refers to a complete system of polite rules rather than a person's behaviour
- politeness
focuses on the quality of being polite rather than specific behaviours
- courtesy
formal; emphasises respectful and considerate treatment of others
- rudeness
the quality of being impolite or disrespectful
文法句型
good manners
bad manners
table manners
it is good/bad manners to + infinitive
用法筆記
Nearly always used in the plural 'manners'. The singular 'a manner' never means polite behaviour. Common with the adjectives 'good', 'bad', 'excellent', 'terrible', 'impeccable'. Frequently appears in the fixed expression 'table manners' and the construction 'it is good/bad manners to + infinitive'.
常見錯誤
5. a way of referring to a wide variety of types or kinds of something — used only
a way of referring to a wide variety of types or kinds of something — used only in the fixed phrases 'all manner of' and 'what manner of'
The weekend market sold all manner of goods, from fresh vegetables to antique furniture.
all manner of + plural noun
Eri has tried all manner of diets, but none of them produced lasting results.
All manner of people attended the festival — young and old, from every background imaginable.
What manner of plant produces such a strange and beautiful flower?
文法句型
all manner of + plural noun
what manner of + noun
用法筆記
Confined to two fixed patterns. 'All manner of X' means 'many different types of X' (e.g. 'all manner of problems' = many different problems). 'What manner of X' appears in literary or formal rhetorical questions and means 'what kind of X'. This sense rarely appears outside these two constructions.