What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mannerly
Example
The mannerly young man held the door open for the elderly lady. [mannerly: adjective]
Example
She spoke in a mannerly way, using polite language and tone. [mannerly: adverb]
polite
Example
He was very polite and thanked the waiter for his service. [polite: adjective]
Example
She politely declined the invitation, explaining that she had other plans. [politely: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Polite is more commonly used than mannerly in everyday language. Polite is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while mannerly is less common and is often used in formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mannerly and polite?
While both mannerly and polite are associated with good manners and courteous behavior, mannerly is typically used in more formal or literary contexts, while polite can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
