The term “manners” comes from the Old French word “maniere,” which means “way” or “manner.” This is derived from the Latin word “manuarius,” which pertains to “hand” (from “manus,” meaning “hand”), but in this context, it evolved to signify a way of handling or behaving.
1. Proto-Indo-European (PIE)
The PIE root “*man-” means “hand.”
2. Latin
From the PIE root, the Latin word “manus” developed, meaning “hand.” The adjective “manuarius” originally referred to something related to the hand but eventually took on the broader sense of “manner” or “way” of doing something.
3. Old French (c. 9th to 14th century CE)
The Latin term “manuarius” evolved into Old French “maniere,” meaning “way,” “method,” or “manner.”
4. Middle English (c. 11th to 15th century CE)
The Old French “maniere” was adopted into Middle English as “manere” or “manere,” meaning “way” or “manner.” This term eventually pluralized to “manners,” referring to ways of behaving, especially in social contexts.
5. Modern English (from 15th century CE to present)
The term “manners” evolved into its current form and pronunciation, retaining the meaning of “social behavior” or “ways of conducting oneself in society.”
Phonetic Evolution
Over time, the pronunciation of “manners” has remained relatively stable from Old French to Modern English.
Usage Examples
- “Manners is often used to describe socially accepted ways of behaving.”
- “Another example of ‘manners’ in a sentence is ‘Good manners are essential for polite social interactions.'”
Cultural or Historical Notes
The development of the word “manners” was significantly influenced by the emphasis on social etiquette and behavior, especially during the Renaissance and subsequent centuries, when proper conduct became a marker of social status and education.
The word “manners” reflects the concept of appropriate social behavior, emphasizing the importance of politeness, courtesy, and social norms in human interactions. It underscores the role of cultural and societal expectations in shaping individual conduct.