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mannerism

noun
man·​ner·​ism | \ ˈma-nÉ™-ËŒri-zÉ™m How to pronounce mannerism (audio) \

Definition of mannerism

1a : exaggerated or affected (see affected sense 1) adherence to a particular style or manner : artificiality, preciosity refined almost to the point of mannerism— Winthrop Sargeant
b often capitalized : an art style in late 16th century Europe characterized by spatial incongruity and excessive elongation of the human figures
2 : a characteristic and often unconscious mode or peculiarity of action, bearing, or treatment The actor can mimic the President's mannerisms perfectly.
Other Words from mannerism Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about mannerism

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Other Words from mannerism

mannerist \ ˈma-​nÉ™-​rist How to pronounce mannerist (audio) \ noun or adjective
manneristic \ ËŒma-​nÉ™-​ˈri-​stik How to pronounce manneristic (audio) \ adjective

Choose the Right Synonym for mannerism

pose, air, airs, affectation, mannerism mean an adopted way of speaking or behaving. pose implies an attitude deliberately assumed in order to impress others. her shyness was just a pose air may suggest natural acquirement through environment or way of life. a traveler's sophisticated air airs always implies artificiality and pretentiousness. snobbish airs affectation applies to a trick of speech or behavior that strikes the observer as insincere. the posh accent is an affectation mannerism applies to an acquired eccentricity that has become a habit. gesturing with a cigarette was her most noticeable mannerism

Examples of mannerism in a Sentence

The actor can mimic the President's mannerisms perfectly. quirky mannerisms such as toying with her hair and tapping her toes

Recent Examples on the Web

 Using similar mannerisms, his Beaver teammates shared Rashed’s feelings. — oregonlive, "Oregon State’s 31-28 loss to Hawaii is simple, says Isaiah Hodgins: The defense did its part and the offense didn’t," 8 Sep. 2019 Bruce, who worked on all six seasons of the show, joined the production of the film to ensure everything from the movie's plot points to the actors' mannerisms was historically accurate. — Caroline Hallemann, Town & Country, "The Royal Family's Many Connections to Downton Abbey," 8 Sep. 2019 Everything about Gauff is upbeat: Her on-court mannerisms, her interviews, her unbridled joy for the game. — Bruce Jenkins, SFChronicle.com, "U.S. Open: Coco Gauff-Naomi Osaka offers a look into tennis’ future," 30 Aug. 2019 His mannerisms could at times be bizarre, and some thought him effeminate. — Thomas Balcerski, Smithsonian, "The 175-Year History of Speculating About President James Buchanan’s Bachelorhood," 28 Aug. 2019 Detectives are circulating the surveillance videos with the hope someone will recognize the robber’s physical mannerisms and be able to identify him, in spite of his disguises. — Wayne K. Roustan, sun-sentinel.com, "Gunman in full flesh-colored face mask ties up gas station clerk in robbery," 31 July 2019 Seigel’s role also encompasses the mannerisms of the steely Ice, a character added for the movie. — Daily Pilot, "On Theater: A heart-throbbing ‘West Side’ revival," 19 July 2019 In 1994, his mannerisms and silky ways of speaking were controversially coded. — Raisa Bruner, Time, "Here's How the New Lion King Is Different From the Original," 17 July 2019 But after talking a big game - and playing up his signature mannerisms and outsize confidence, knocking Cliff down in the first round - it’s Lee who gets unceremoniously thrown into the side of a parked car by the stuntman before others intervene. — chicagotribune.com, "Bruce Lee’s family calls ‘Once Upon a Time’ ‘a mockery.’ Is it insult or homage?," 1 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mannerism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of mannerism

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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More Definitions for mannerism

mannerism

noun
How to pronounce mannerism (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of mannerism

: a person's particular way of talking or moving

See the full definition for mannerism in the English Language Learners Dictionary

mannerism

noun
man·​ner·​ism | \ ˈma-nÉ™-ËŒri-zÉ™m How to pronounce mannerism (audio) \

Kids Definition of mannerism

: a habit (as of looking or moving in a certain way) that occurs commonly in a person's behavior

mannerism

noun
man·​ner·​ism | \ ˈman-É™-ËŒriz-É™m How to pronounce mannerism (audio) \

Medical Definition of mannerism

: a characteristic and often unconscious mode or peculiarity of action, bearing, or treatment especially : any pointless and compulsive activity performed repeatedly

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Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with mannerism

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