manners

man-ners · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Social behavior or conduct considered in terms of politeness and appropriateness.

  2. 2.

    The prevailing customs and ways of living of a society or class.

  3. 3.

    Polite behavior; good social conduct.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    mind your manners — Behave politely.
  • •
    table manners — Behavior considered appropriate while eating.
  • •
    bad manners — Rude or impolite behavior.

Related words

Antonyms: rudeness
See also: behavior, etiquette, politeness
Synonyms: behavior, conduct, etiquette

Etymology

Plural of manner, from Old French maniere ("way, fashion"), from Latin manuarius ("of the hand"), from manus ("hand"). The sense of "polite behavior" developed from the idea of "proper ways of doing things."