Conduct vs. Manner — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 24, 2024
Conduct refers to a person's behavior over time, often judged against social norms; manner describes how a person behaves in specific situations or performs actions.
Difference Between Conduct and Manner
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Conduct represents the overall behavior of an individual or group, typically observed over a period of time and assessed based on ethical standards or social norms. It encompasses actions, responses, and habits that define a person's character. Whereas manner specifically refers to the style or way in which something is done or how a person behaves in particular circumstances.
Conduct is often evaluated in terms of moral or ethical acceptability, such as being described as 'good' or 'bad' conduct. On the other hand, manner is usually noted in the context of politeness or appropriateness, like having a courteous or rude manner.
The concept of conduct can be broader and more comprehensive, relating to long-term patterns of action and consistent behavior. Conversely, manner might refer to more immediate, observable qualities during interactions, such as gestures, speech, and etiquette.
Conduct can have legal implications, such as when a person's actions within a professional or public role are under scrutiny. In contrast, manner tends to influence social interactions and personal impressions rather than legal outcomes.
While conduct can significantly influence one's reputation and relationships over time, manner often affects first impressions and interpersonal dynamics in the short term.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Overall behavior judged by standards
Way of acting in specific contexts
Scope
Broad and general
Specific and immediate
Evaluation Criteria
Ethical or social norms
Politeness, appropriateness
Temporal Nature
Observed over time
Observed in specific instances
Impact
Influences long-term reputation
Affects immediate interactions
Compare with Definitions
Conduct
Behavior as it aligns with societal norms.
His conduct at the meeting was impeccable.
Manner
Personal style or behavior in specific instances.
His manner of speaking can be quite formal.
Conduct
The manner of managing or directing something.
The conductor’s conduct of the orchestra was masterful.
Manner
The mode of action or approach to a situation.
She handled the situation in a professional manner.
Conduct
The way a person behaves globally.
Their conduct during the crisis earned widespread admiration.
Manner
The way a person communicates or interacts.
He apologized in a sincere manner.
Conduct
Adherence to rules in a given setting.
Student conduct is strictly monitored at the school.
Manner
Observable characteristics during social interactions.
Her friendly manner made her popular.
Conduct
A record of actions and responses over time.
She maintained a record of good conduct throughout her career.
Manner
Approach or method in performing tasks.
The manner in which he organizes his work is very efficient.
Conduct
The manner in which a person behaves, especially in a particular place or situation
They were arrested for disorderly conduct
A code of conduct for directors of listed companies
Manner
A person's outward bearing or way of behaving towards others
His arrogance and pompous manner
Conduct
The manner in which an organization or activity is managed or directed
The conduct of the elections
Manner
A way in which a thing is done or happens
Taking notes in an unobtrusive manner
Conduct
Organize and carry out
Surveys conducted among students
In the second trial he conducted his own defence
Manner
Polite or well-bred social behaviour
Didn't your mother teach you any manners?
Conduct
Lead or guide (someone) to or around a particular place
He conducted us through his personal gallery of the Civil War
Manner
A way of doing something or the way in which a thing is done or happens
Prepared for the trip in a very organized manner.
Conduct
Transmit (a form of energy such as heat or electricity) by conduction
Heat is conducted to the surface
Manner
A way of acting; bearing or behavior
He is known for his reserved manner.
Conduct
Direct the performance of (a piece of music or an orchestra, choir, etc.)
The concert is to be conducted by Sir Simon Rattle
Manner
The socially correct way of acting; etiquette
Had trouble mastering manners in his new country.
Conduct
Behave in a specified way
He conducted himself with the utmost propriety
Manner
The prevailing customs, social conduct, and norms of a specific society, period, or group, especially as the subject of a literary work
A novel of 18th-century manners.
Conduct
To direct the course of; manage or control
A police officer who conducts traffic.
A scientist who conducts experiments.
Manner
Practice, style, execution, or method in the arts
This fresco is typical of the painter's early manner.
Conduct
To lead or guide
Conducted the tourists through the museum.
Manner
Kind; sort
What manner of person is she?.
Conduct
(Music) To direct the performance of (an orchestra or chorus, for example).
Manner
Kinds; sorts
Saw all manner of people at the mall.
Conduct
To serve as a medium for conveying; transmit
Some metals conduct heat.
Manner
Mode of action; way of performing or doing anything
Conduct
To comport (oneself) in a specified way
The students conducted themselves with dignity throughout the ceremony.
Manner
Characteristic mode of acting or behaving; bearing
His natural manner makes him seem like the boss.
Conduct
To act as a director or conductor.
Manner
One's customary method of acting; habit.
These people have strange manners.
Conduct
To show the way; lead.
Manner
Good, polite behaviour.
Conduct
The way a person acts, especially from the standpoint of morality and ethics.
Manner
The style of writing or thought of an author; the characteristic peculiarity of an artist.
Conduct
The act of directing or controlling; management.
Manner
A certain degree or measure.
It is in a manner done already.
Conduct
(Obsolete) A guide; an escort.
Manner
Sort; kind; style.
All manner of persons participate.
Conduct
The act or method of controlling or directing.
Manner
Standards of conduct cultured and product of mind.
Conduct
Skillful guidance or management.
Manner
Mode of action; way of performing or effecting anything; method; style; form; fashion.
The nations which thou hast removed, and placed in the cities of Samaria, know not the manner of the God of the land.
The temptations of prosperity insinuate themselves after a gentle, but very powerful, manner.
Conduct
Behaviour; the manner of behaving.
Good conduct will be rewarded and likewise poor conduct will be punished.
Manner
Characteristic mode of acting, conducting, carrying one's self, or the like; bearing; habitual style.
Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them.
Air and manner are more expressive than words.
Conduct
(of a literary work) Plot.
Manner
Carriage; behavior; deportment; also, becoming behavior; well-bred carriage and address; as, mind your manners!.
Good manners are made up of petty sacrifices.
Conduct
(obsolete) Convoy; escort; person who accompanies another.
Manner
Certain degree or measure; as, it is in a manner done already.
The bread is in a manner common.
Conduct
(archaic) Something which carries or conveys anything; a channel; an instrument; a conduit.
Manner
The style of writing or thought of an author; characteristic peculiarity of an artist.
Conduct
To lead, or guide; to escort.
Manner
Sort; kind; style; - in this application sometimes having the sense of a plural, sorts or kinds; as, all manners of people came to the rally.
And they being afraid wondered, saying to one another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and the water, and they obey him.
Ye tithe mint, and rue, and all manner of herbs.
I bid thee say,What manner of man art thou?
Conduct
(transitive) To lead; to direct; to be in charge of (people or tasks)
The commander conducted thousands of troops.
To conduct the affairs of a kingdom
Manner
How something is done or how it happens;
Her dignified manner
His rapid manner of talking
Their nomadic mode of existence
In the characteristic New York style
A lonely way of life
In an abrasive fashion
Conduct
To behave.
He conducted himself well.
Manner
A way of acting or behaving
Conduct
(transitive) To serve as a medium for conveying; to transmit (heat, light, electricity, etc.)
Manner
A kind;
What manner of man are you?
Conduct
To direct, as the leader in the performance of a musical composition.
Conduct
(intransitive) To act as a conductor (as of heat, electricity, etc.); to carry.
Conduct
(transitive) To carry out (something organized)
Conduct
The act or method of conducting; guidance; management.
Christianity has humanized the conduct of war.
The conduct of the state, the administration of its affairs.
Conduct
Skillful guidance or management; generalship.
Conduct of armies is a prince's art.
Attacked the Spaniards . . . with great impetuosity, but with so little conduct, that his forces were totally routed.
Conduct
Convoy; escort; guard; guide.
I will be your conduct.
In my conduct shall your ladies come.
Conduct
That which carries or conveys anything; a channel; a conduit; an instrument.
Although thou hast been conduct of my shame.
Conduct
The manner of guiding or carrying one's self; personal deportment; mode of action; behavior.
All these difficulties were increased by the conduct of Shrewsbury.
What in the conduct of our life appearsSo well designed, so luckily begun,But when we have our wish, we wish undone?
Conduct
Plot; action; construction; manner of development.
The book of Job, in conduct and diction.
Conduct
To lead, or guide; to escort; to attend.
I can conduct you, lady, to a lowBut loyal cottage, where you may be safe.
Conduct
To lead, as a commander; to direct; to manage; to carry on; as, to conduct the affairs of a kingdom.
Little skilled in the art of conducting a siege.
Conduct
To behave; - with the reflexive; as, he conducted himself well.
Conduct
To serve as a medium for conveying; to transmit, as heat, light, electricity, etc.
Conduct
To direct, as the leader in the performance of a musical composition.
Conduct
To act as a conductor (as of heat, electricity, etc.); to carry.
Conduct
To conduct one's self; to behave.
Conduct
Manner of acting or conducting yourself
Conduct
(behavioral attributes) the way a person behaves toward other people
Conduct
Direct the course of; manage or control;
You cannot conduct business like this
Conduct
Lead, as in the performance of a composition;
Conduct an orchestra; Bairenboim conducted the Chicago symphony for years
Conduct
Behave in a certain manner;
She carried herself well
He bore himself with dignity
They conducted themselves well during these difficult times
Conduct
Transmit or serve as the medium for transmission;
Sound carries well over water
The airwaves carry the sound
Many metals conduct heat
Conduct
Take somebody somewhere;
We lead him to our chief
Can you take me to the main entrance?
He conducted us to the palace
Conduct
Lead musicians in the performance of;
Bernstein conducted Mahler like no other conductor
She cannot conduct modern pieces
Common Curiosities
What is conduct?
Conduct refers to a person's behavior evaluated against moral or societal standards.
How are conduct and manner related?
While conduct is a broader evaluation of behavior, manner focuses on the specifics of behavior in situations.
Can manner affect relationships?
Yes, manner can significantly impact relationships, influencing how others perceive and interact with someone.
What is manner?
Manner describes the way a person behaves or handles situations.
How can one improve their conduct?
Improving conduct involves adhering to ethical standards and positive behavioral patterns consistently.
What is an example of poor conduct?
Examples of poor conduct include dishonesty, violating rules, or behaving unethically.
Can good conduct compensate for a poor manner?
Good conduct might offset some negative perceptions, but poor manners can still adversely affect immediate social interactions.
How does conduct affect one's life?
Conduct affects long-term perceptions and can influence personal and professional opportunities.
Are there cultural differences in perceived good conduct?
Yes, perceptions of good conduct can vary significantly across different cultures and societal norms.
Is manner important in professional settings?
Manner is crucial in professional settings as it affects collaboration, communication, and overall workplace atmosphere.
How does one assess someone's manner?
One's manner is assessed through direct observation of how they behave in specific interactions.
Can conduct be legally binding?
In some professions, conduct is legally regulated, and deviations can have legal repercussions.
How can manner influence first impressions?
Manner can greatly influence first impressions through visible behaviors, tone of voice, and politeness.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
