Unmannerly: meaning, definitions and examples

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unmannerly

[ˌʌnˈmænərli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

inappropriate behavior

Lacking good manners; rude or impolite in behavior.

Synonyms

discourteous, impolite, rude.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unmannerly	This word is used to describe behavior that lacks good manners, particularly in formal or traditional settings. It can imply a breach of expected or conventional etiquette. His unmannerly behavior at the dinner table surprised everyone. The judge reprimanded the lawyer for his unmannerly conduct in court.
impolite	Used when referring to behavior that is not adhering to common standards of politeness. It is generally less severe than 'rude' but still indicates a lack of manners. Talking with your mouth full is impolite. She found his impolite comments offensive.
rude	This word describes very offensive and disrespectful behavior. It has a stronger negative connotation than the other words in this group. He made a rude remark about her appearance. Interrupting someone while they are speaking is extremely rude.
discourteous	This term is suitable for describing someone who is not polite and seems to lack respect for others. It’s less strong than 'rude' but still negative. It was discourteous of him to ignore her greeting. Sending a text during a meeting was considered discourteous.

Examples of usage

She was criticized for her unmannerly behavior at the party.
His unmannerly comments offended everyone in the room.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

behavior

In a rude or impolite manner.

Synonyms

impolitely, rudely.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unmannerly	Again, 'unmannerly' is used to describe behavior that is improper or lacking in good manners. It can imply a more general lack of social skills. The child's unmannerly conduct made it difficult for others to enjoy the event.
rudely	Best used when describing behavior or speech that is blunt, harsh, or intentionally disrespectful. Has a strong negative connotation. He rudely interrupted the speaker during the presentation. They rudely slammed the door in his face.
impolitely	Appropriate for describing actions or words that lack politeness or courtesy. It doesn't carry as harsh a connotation as 'rudely'. She impolitely declined the invitation without giving a reason.

Word

Description / Examples

unmannerly

Again, 'unmannerly' is used to describe behavior that is improper or lacking in good manners. It can imply a more general lack of social skills.

The child's unmannerly conduct made it difficult for others to enjoy the event.

rudely

Best used when describing behavior or speech that is blunt, harsh, or intentionally disrespectful. Has a strong negative connotation.

He rudely interrupted the speaker during the presentation.
They rudely slammed the door in his face.

impolitely

Appropriate for describing actions or words that lack politeness or courtesy. It doesn't carry as harsh a connotation as 'rudely'.

She impolitely declined the invitation without giving a reason.

Examples of usage

He spoke unmannerly to the waitress, causing her to walk away in anger.
The customer was served unmannerly by the store clerk.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from combining 'un-', meaning 'not', with 'mannerly', which refers to good behavior or manners.
The use of 'un-' to create opposites has been around since Old English, showcasing how language evolves to express negation.
Mannerly itself finds roots in Latin, where 'manere' means 'to stay' or 'to remain', hinting at behavior being about how one 'stays' within societal norms.

Social Etiquette

In various cultures, what is considered 'unmannerly' can differ significantly; for instance, speaking loudly in public may be rude in one place but common in another.
Good manners have often been seen as a reflection of one's upbringing, with 'unmannerly' behavior often associated with lack of education or social refinement.
The rise of social media has blurred the lines, as what is considered acceptable behavior online can sometimes cross into unmannerly territory.

Literature

Many classic novels feature unmannerly characters as foils to the protagonists, highlighting the contrast between civility and rudeness.
Famous literary works like Jane Austen’s 'Pride and Prejudice' showcase how unmannerly behavior can impact social relationships and personal reputation.
In Shakespeare's plays, unmannerly characters often drive the plot through their actions and serve as commentary on societal norms.

Psychology

Research shows that people often perceive unmannerly behavior as a reflection of low self-control, leading to negative judgments about the person's character.
Unmannerly actions can trigger strong emotional responses in others, often leading to conflict or a breakdown in communication.
The concept of social norms plays a critical role in defining what is considered unmannerly, suggesting that behavior can be heavily influenced by context.

Pop Culture

Reality TV often highlights unmannerly behavior as entertainment, showcasing dramatic confrontations and social faux pas for viewer engagement.
Memes and online content frequently utilize the concept of being unmannerly to poke fun at celebrity actions or social blunders.
Comedic characters in movies and shows are often designed to be unmannerly, allowing audiences to explore the humor and absurdity in violation of social norms.

Translations

Translations of the word "unmannerly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 grosseiro

🇮🇳 असभ्य

🇩🇪 unhöflich

🇮🇩 kasar

🇺🇦 неввічливий

🇵🇱 niegrzeczny

🇯🇵 無作法

🇫🇷 impoli

🇪🇸 maleducado

🇹🇷 kaba

🇰🇷 무례한

🇸🇦 غير مهذب

🇨🇿 nezdvořilý

🇸🇰 nezdvorilý

🇨🇳 无礼

🇸🇮 nevljuden

🇮🇸 ókurteis

🇰🇿 әдепсіз

🇬🇪 უხეში

🇦🇿 nəzakətsiz

🇲🇽 maleducado