Definition

1. Noun:
   • A distinctive and peculiar behavioral attribute of an individual: A particular, often habitual, gesture, way of speaking, or trait that is characteristic of a specific person.
   • A deliberate pretense or exaggerated display: An affected or unnatural style in art, behavior, or speech, often perceived as artificial.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Clearing his throat before speaking was a characteristic mannerism of the professor.
  • The actor studied the politician's mannerisms to imitate him perfectly.
  • The artist's early work was free from the ornate mannerism of his later period.

Advanced Usage

• In art history: When capitalized as Mannerism, it refers to a style of 16th-century European art characterized by artificiality, elegance, and emotional tension, following the High Renaissance.
  • The paintings of El Greco are often associated with the Mannerist style.

Variants and Related Words

• Mannerist (noun): A person who adopts affected manners; an artist who paints in the Mannerist style.
  • He was criticized for being a mannerist, more concerned with style than substance.
• Manneristic (adjective): Relating to or characterized by mannerisms.
  • Her manneristic way of waving seemed charmingly unique.

Synonyms

• Idiosyncrasy: A mode of behavior or way of thought peculiar to an individual.
• Affectation: Behavior, speech, or writing that is artificial and designed to impress.
• Quirk: A peculiar behavioral habit.

Antonyms

• Naturalness: The quality of being natural, without artificiality.
• Sincerity: The quality of being free from pretense or deceit.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• A trick of manner: A phrase similar to 'mannerism,' describing a distinctive personal habit.
  • His constant adjustment of his glasses was just a trick of manner.

Noun

1. a deliberate pretense or exaggerated display
2. a behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual