What is manner? What is manner? A way of doing something or the way in which a thing is done or happens. See Synonyms at method.A way of acting; bearing or behavior.The socially correct way of acting; etiquette. The prevailing customs, social conduct, and norms of a specific society, period, or group, especially as the subject of a literary work.Practice, style, execution, or method in the arts: This fresco is typical of the painter's early manner. Kind; sort: What manner of person is she? Kinds; sorts: saw all manner of people at the mall. in a manner of speaking In a way; so to speak.to the manner born Accustomed to a position, custom, or lifestyle from or as if from birth.