What is manner? Pronunciation and usage in English

manner means . Learn how to pronounce and use manner through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of manner

mannernoun

/ˈmanə/
Definition & pronunciation of manner

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "manner." It's a tricky one for many English learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈmæn.ər/

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • ˈmæn: This part sounds like "man" but with a slightly more open "a" sound. Think of the "a" in "father." It's a short, clear "ah" sound.
  • ər: This is the schwa sound (ə). It’s a very short, unstressed vowel sound. It’s like the "a" in "about" or “her.” It's a very light sound.

Putting it together, you'd say something like: "Man-er" (with the "man" sounding a bit more open than just "man").

Here are some tips:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable (“man”).
  • Don’t over-emphasize the “er”: The second syllable (ər) is very light and quick.
  • Listen to examples: This is crucial. The best way to get it right is to hear native speakers. Here are some resources:
    • Google Translate: Type "manner" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon to hear the pronunciation.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/manner/ – Forvo is a website where people record pronunciations of words in different languages and accents. You’ll hear a lot of variations.
    • YouTube: Search YouTube for “how to pronounce manner” - you’ll find many videos with clear explanations and audio examples.

Do you want me to:

  • Say the word aloud?
  • Give you some more words with similar sounds?

Usage and examples with the word manner in English

Let's break down how to use the word "manner" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a few different shades of meaning. Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. As a Noun (Most Common Usage):

  • Definition: A way of doing something; a style or mode of behavior. It refers to how something is done.

  • Examples:

    • "He spoke with a polite manner." (Meaning: He behaved politely.)
    • "She performed the dance with grace and elegance in her manner." (Meaning: Her style/way of dancing.)
    • "The restaurant's service was efficient and courteous in its manner." (Meaning: The way the service was provided.)
    • "He treated her with respect and consideration in his manner." (Showing respect through behavior)

2. As a Noun (Referring to a Habit or Action):

  • Definition: A specific way of doing something habitually. Often implies a consistent pattern.

  • Examples:

    • “It’s customary to tip the waiter in this manner.” (Meaning: It's customary to tip in this specific way.)
    • “He always greeted me with a wave of his hand in a peculiar manner.” (Meaning: He consistently waved his hand.)

3. As an Adjective (Describing How Something is Done):

  • Definition: Describes how something is done, often emphasizing a particular style or approach.

  • Examples:

    • "He acted in a manner that was completely unacceptable." (Meaning: He behaved in an unacceptable way.)
    • "The artist used a distinctive manner in her paintings." (Meaning: The artist had a particular style.)
    • "She answered the question in a thoughtful manner." (Meaning: She responded in a considerate and considered way.)

4. "In a manner of speaking" / "In a certain manner"

  • Definition: This phrase means "loosely speaking” or "approximately.” It’s used to indicate that you’re not being entirely precise or literal.

  • Examples:

    • "In a manner of speaking, he was right." (Meaning: He was largely correct, but not perfectly accurate.)
    • "In a certain manner, the whole project seemed to fall apart.” (Meaning: Gradually, or in a way that was a bit chaotic.)

Key Differences & Nuances:

  • "Way" vs. "Manner": "Way" is often more general and refers to a route or method. "Manner" focuses more on the style or behavior in which something is done.

  • "Style" vs. "Manner": “Style” often applies to aesthetics (art, fashion, music), while “manner” is more often used for behavior and social conduct.

Here's a table summarizing the uses:

Part of Speech Definition Example
Noun Way of doing something "He spoke with a charming manner."
Noun Habitual action/behavior "He always greeted me in that manner."
Adjective Describes how something is done "She responded in a gracious manner."
Phrase Loosely speaking, approximately "In a certain manner, it worked."

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write or say? (e.g., “I want to describe someone’s behavior,” or “I’m writing a sentence about an artistic technique.”)

Synonyms for the word manner

Idioms of the word manner

all manner of somebody/something
many different types of people or things
  • The problem can be solved in all manner of ways.
  • He enjoyed interacting with all manner of different people.
in the manner of somebody/something
(formal)in a style that is typical of somebody/something
  • a painting in the manner of Raphael
in a manner of speaking
if you think about it in a particular way; true in some but not all ways
  • All these points of view are related, in a manner of speaking.
(as/as if) to the manner born
(formal)as if something is natural for you and you have done it many times in the past
  • She adapted to life on the estate as if to the manner born.
what manner of…
(formal or literary)what kind of…
  • What manner of man could do such a terrible thing?

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