manner
UK[ˈmænə(r)]US[ˈmænər]
n
the way in which something is done or happens
n
a person's outward bearing or way of behaving towards others
n
(manners) polite ways of behaving in social situations
Etymology
the word 'manner' entered english in the 12th century from the anglo-norman french 'manere', which itself came from the vulgar latin 'manuaria', meaning 'way of handling'. this vulgar latin term is a feminine form of 'manuarius', meaning 'of the hand', derived from the classical latin 'manus' (hand). the semantic evolution from 'hand' to 'method' or 'way' is a metaphorical extension, moving from the physical means of doing something to the method or mode of action itself. this etymological journey, from the concrete 'hand' to the abstract 'way of doing', illustrates a common path of meaning development in indo-european languages, where a physical instrument gives its name to a more general process or style.
Analysis
the word 'manner' is a simplex word derived from a single Latin root via Anglo-Norman and Old French. it is not productively formed from smaller, independent morphemes in modern english.
Examples
she completed the task in a highly efficient manner.
his calm and confident manner put everyone at ease.
it's important to teach children good manners from a young age.