What is the Difference between Etiquette and Manners

Etiquette and manners both the concepts involve rules of behaviour but they are slightly different. They also vary from culture to culture as standards of conduct depend on cultural tradition and heritage.

I’ll tell about etiquette and manners with the core difference between etiquette and manners in this post.

At first we have to learn what etiquette and manners are. Let’s learn more about it.

Difference between Etiquette and Manners

What is Etiquette

Here we see the definition of Etiquette,

Etiquette – The formal rules of correct or polite behaviour in society, among members of a particular profession or in a particular area of activity. – Oxford Dictionary

Etiquette is a specific rule or code of behavior in a particular situation or in a society. We have to learn it consciously.

For example, we have to learn communication etiquette, business etiquette, dining etiquette, etc

It is considered as the superior of the two. It is always exercised on the foundation of good manners. If a person has no manners, we can not expect him to have etiquette.

What is Manner

Now let’s know the definition of Manner.

Manner – Behaviour that is considered to be polite in a particular society or culture. – Oxford Dictionary

Manners are all the polite behaviour that you unconsciously absorb for your family or society. People also know it as good manners. Manners vary from culture to culture.

For example, we learn to say ‘Thank you’ after receiving something, saying ‘please’ when requesting, saying ‘sorry’ when we hurt someone, respecting elders from a very early age. We learn all these general behaviours from school, family and society unconsciously.

Key Differences between Etiquette and Manners

I think you have already got the main difference between them. Let me tell you more clearly with key points.

• The primary difference between etiquette and manners is that etiquette includes specific rules of conduct, while manner is more generalized.
• Etiquette means some specific rules or codes of behaviour but manners are the ways how you perform those rules.
• We learn manners from childhood through instruction and socialization, but we learn etiquette especially with conscious efforts.
• Manners lay the foundation for an individual whereby the individual progresses by learning etiquette.

Why Etiquette and Manner is Important

People should be generally taught manners from a very young age so that they grow up with the basic rules of behaviour. They should know about appropriate behaviour in different social situations.

For example, children should learn, it is not polite to stare, to make any personal comments, or to cast aspersions upon the selection of food at dinner.

In childhood, people usually absorb lessons about how to behave with others in various situations. Manners often become second nature when they are taught at a young age.

I think this knowledge in the post will not be wasted. This knowledge will help you remember to apply etiquette and manners.

If you practice correct rules of behavior and manner, this may help you get advantages in the future.

For example, employers are often impressed by well-mannered candidates who are familiar with the business etiquette for a job opening. Good etiquette training also prepares someone for any situation.