mannerism

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "mannerism" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a person's behavior or a style of their actions that is peculiar or characteristic of that person. Example sentence: She had a strange mannerism of tapping her foot when she got frustrated.

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Diderot accepted the view that color was primary in painting but his view applies to the effects produced in drawing and to what separates manner from mannerism.

SEP

And it never became a mannerism, never a gimmick.

The Guardian - Arts

It might be dismissed as a mannerism (and in the healthful West perhaps frowned on).

The Economist

He chooses, defines, thesaurises, to the point of mannerism.

The Economist

This was mere mannerism.

The Economist

An incipient mannerism appears in Botticelli's late works of the 1480s and in works such as the magnificent Cestello Annunciation (1490) and the small Pietà (late 1490s) now in the Poldi-Pezzoli Museum. Poldi-Pezzoli Museum

Encyclopedia Britannica

C. 1568 Arpino, Italy 1640 Rome, Italy Cavaliere D'Arpino, original name Giuseppe Cesari (born c. 1568, Arpino, Kingdom of Naples [Italy] died July 3 , 1640 Rome), Italian painter of the post-Renaissance school known as Mannerism who helped to spread that school abroad.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His frescoes at the Villa Barbaro at Maser northwest of Venice are important for Venetian Mannerism and for landscape painting, but the richness of his palette is best seen in the mythologies, such as "Mars and Venus United by Love" (Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City), or the "Marriage of St. Catherine" (Gallerie dell'Accademia di Venezia).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mannerism was first and foremost a connoisseur's art certainly not one that appealed to a churchman.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Barocci abandoned his Roman Mannerism as early as 1575, but the majority of his contemporaries in Rome and Florence continued to develop the eclectic aspects of the original maniera.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Outside Florence and Rome, many of the major Italian cities succumbed to the spreading influence of Mannerism after 1527.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mannerism" to precisely describe a habitual behavior or stylistic exaggeration, particularly in artistic or personal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "mannerism" to describe common habits; reserve it for behaviors that are noticeably peculiar, stylized, or affected.

Linguistic Context

The word "mannerism" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a habitual gesture or way of speaking or behaving; or a distinctive and often elaborate style in art, literature, or behavior. Ludwig provides examples showcasing its use in both personal and artistic contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

39%

News & Media

31%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "mannerism" is correctly used in English to describe a habitual gesture or style, particularly in art and personal behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. The term is most frequently encountered in encyclopedic and news contexts, suggesting its role in descriptive analysis and art criticism. While the term is broadly applicable, it’s crucial to distinguish it from simple habits and reserve it for noticeably peculiar or stylized behaviors. Using synonyms like ""idiosyncrasy"" or ""affectation"" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context. In essence, understanding the connotations of affectation or artificiality associated with "mannerism" ensures its appropriate and effective use in writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

idiosyncrasy

Refers to a peculiar habit or way of behaving that is characteristic of a particular person.

peculiarity

Highlights an unusual or odd characteristic that distinguishes something or someone.

affectation

Emphasizes artificiality or pretension in behavior or speech.

quirk

Indicates a minor, often amusing, peculiarity in someone's behavior.

habitual gesture

Focuses on a recurrent physical action that characterizes an individual.

stylistic flourish

Refers to an elaborate or exaggerated feature in art or writing.

personal trait

Describes a distinctive quality or characteristic belonging to a person.

eccentricity

Implies unconventional or slightly strange behavior.

unconventional style

Highlights a departure from traditional or accepted norms in expression or behavior.

affected behavior

Suggests behavior that is artificial and designed to impress.

FAQs

How can I use "mannerism" in a sentence?

You can use "mannerism" to describe a distinctive and sometimes peculiar habit or style. For example, "His "mannerism" of tapping his fingers was quite noticeable" or "The artist's work was characterized by the "mannerism" of elongated figures."

What's the difference between "mannerism" and "idiosyncrasy"?

"Mannerism" often implies a deliberate or affected style, especially in art, while "idiosyncrasy" generally refers to any peculiar habit or trait unique to an individual.

What are some synonyms for "mannerism"?

Synonyms for "mannerism" include "affectation", "idiosyncrasy", "quirk", and "peculiarity". The best choice depends on the specific context.

In art, what does "mannerism" refer to?

In art, "mannerism" refers to a style that emerged in the High Renaissance, characterized by exaggerated proportions, stylized poses, and an overall artificiality.