Definitions for: Mannerism


[n] a deliberate pretense or exaggerated display
[n] a behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual



Webster (1913) Definition: Man"ner*ism, n. [Cf. F. mani['e]risme.]
Adherence to a peculiar style or manner; a characteristic
mode of action, bearing, or treatment, carried to excess,
especially in literature or art.

Mannerism is pardonable,and is sometimes even
agreeable, when the manner, though vicious, is natural
. . . . But a mannerism which does not sit easy on the
mannerist, which has been adopted on principle, and
which can be sustained only by constant effort, is
always offensive. --Macaulay.

Synonyms: affectation, foible, idiosyncrasy, pose

See Also: attitude, distinctiveness, feigning, peculiarity, pretence, pretending, pretense, simulation, speciality, specialness, specialty

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