mannered
UK: ˈmænəd | US: ˈmænərd
adj. behaving in a way that is exaggeratedly polite or refined (often implying artificiality)
adj. having specified manners (e.g., well-mannered, ill-mannered)
Derived from the noun manner (from Old French maniere, meaning "way of acting," ultimately from Latin manus "hand," via the idea of "handling" or method). The suffix -ed turns it into an adjective, originally implying "having manners." Over time, mannered developed a nuanced meaning, often suggesting overly deliberate or affected behavior.
Her mannered speech made the conversation feel stiff.
The actor’s mannered performance drew mixed reviews.
He was criticized for being overly mannered in social settings.
The novel’s dialogue sounded unnatural and mannered.
Despite his mannered exterior, he was genuinely kind.