Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

in a manner of speaking

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.39 in modern English

Syllables: in- a -man-ner of s-peak-ing
IPA

31

Scrabble Score

19

Letters

6

Syllables

12

Unique Chars

Meaning

prep_phrase

As it were; figuratively speaking; in a manner, in a way, in a certain respect.

Example Sentences

""Well, well, cap'n," returned the sea-cook, ". . . Why, there you all are together like a happy family, in a manner of speaking.""
"No doubt it maddened him; it knocked him over afresh—in a manner of speaking— [...]"
"[H]e is—in a manner of speaking—in eclipse as it were, sir!""
"Because in a manner of speaking I am sentimental about my childhood—not my own particular childhood, but the civilization which I grew up in and which is now, I suppose, just about at its last kick."
"James. Brought up in the country, I suppose? Bill. In a manner of speaking, yes."
"Rosenstock. If the gentlemen would perhaps like to try the Alpenrose... First Hiker. Is that a hotel too? Rosenstock. In a manner of speaking."

Etymology

From in + an alteration of Middle English a maner of speche (“a manner of literary style”).

Origin

Source language: Middle English

Word Breakdown

Root: a maner of speche

Phrases

after a fashion figure of speech

Frequently Paired Words

after a fashion figure of speech

Synonyms

so to speak

Questions

What does in a manner of speaking mean?: As it were; figuratively speaking; in a manner, in a way, in a certain respect.
Where does in a manner of speaking come from?: It is traced to Middle English.

How to pronounce in a manner of speaking

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