mannered
Stiff and unnatural
Mannered describes behavior or style that is overly formal, artificial, or affected—lacking naturalness.
A mannered performance feels studied rather than spontaneous; mannered prose calls attention to its own technique.
The word can also simply mean having manners of a particular kind, usually with a qualifier: well-mannered, ill-mannered.
Without such a qualifier, mannered almost always carries the negative sense of self-conscious artificiality.
Falsely grand or important
- stiltedUnnaturally formal in expression
- contrivedDeliberately manufactured, unnatural
- theatricalExaggeratedly emotional for effect
- unnaturalContrary to normal order
exaggerated · overwrought · pompous · ostentatious · melodramatic · overacted · strained · self-conscious
Showing respectful consideration
- graciousPleasantly kind and courteous
- respectfulShowing proper regard
- civilMinimally polite
- well-bredHaving good upbringing
gentlemanly · ladylike · chivalrous · decorous · tactful · deferential · considerate · diplomatic
pretentious
Falsely grand or important
- stiltedUnnaturally formal in expression
- contrivedDeliberately manufactured, unnatural
- theatricalExaggeratedly emotional for effect
unnatural · exaggerated · overwrought · pompous · ostentatious · melodramatic · overacted · strained · self-conscious · posturing
courteous
Showing respectful consideration
- graciousPleasantly kind and courteous
- respectfulShowing proper regard
- civilMinimally polite
well-bred · gentlemanly · ladylike · chivalrous · decorous · tactful · deferential · considerate · diplomatic · cordial
cultivated
Improved through nurture
- elegantGracefully refined, tasteful
- sophisticatedWorldly and cultured
- polishedSmooth, refined, accomplished
stylish · tasteful · dignified · suave · debonair · aristocratic · poised · graceful · cultured · accomplished
- royal courtking, queen, prince, princess, crown
- theatricaltheatrical, dramatic, melodramatic, histrionic, hammy
- art stylesimpressionism, surrealism, cubism, realism, pop art
- deceptionlie, lies, lying, fake, fraud
- mannersetiquette, polite, rude, politeness, civility
- elegantchic, stylish, refined, tasteful, elegant
mannerednatural
Not artificially produced
unaffected · spontaneous · genuine · authentic · unpretentious
manneredplain
Basic and unremarkable
simple · unadorned · understated · restrained · spare
manneredunpretentious
Lacking false superiority
unassuming · modest · simple · plain · down-to-earth
- good mannersSocially acceptable conduct
- table mannersProper conduct during meals
- bad mannersSocially unacceptable behavior
- mind your mannersAdmonition to be courteous
- bedside mannerPhysician's interpersonal approach
- well manneredSocially correct in behavior
manner, manners, ill-mannered, well-mannered, mannerism, mannerly, mannerless, unmannerly, mannerisms