manifest
Manifest (adj) means Clear and obvious to see or understand. Example: “Her frustration was manifest in every word she said.”
How to use manifest
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething plainly visible or obvious — or, as a verb, to make something visible, appear, or (in newer slang) to will it into reality through intention.
The self-help sense ("manifest your dreams") is a newer, informal use distinct from the older, more formal "manifest evidence of wrongdoing."
Word forms
more manifest comparative, manifested past tense, manifests plural, manifest plural, manifested plural, manifests singular, manifest singular, manifested singular, manifestest singular, manifestedst singular, manifesteth singular, most manifest superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her frustration was _____ in every word she said.
Etymology
From Latin manifestus, "obvious, palpable," built from manus ("hand") plus an uncertain second element. A doublet of manifesto.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “manifest” mean?
The word “manifest” means clear and obvious to see or understand. In plain terms, something plainly visible or obvious — or, as a verb, to make something visible, appear, or (in newer slang) to will it into reality through intention.
How do you pronounce “manifest”?
“Manifest” is pronounced MAN-ih-fehst (/ˈmæn.ɪ.fɛst/ in IPA).
How do you use “manifest” in a sentence?
Here is “manifest” used in a sentence: “Her frustration was manifest in every word she said.”
What part of speech is “manifest”?
Depending on how it is used, “manifest” can be an adjective, a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “manifest” come from?
The word “manifest” comes from Latin. From Latin manifestus, "obvious, palpable," built from manus ("hand") plus an uncertain second element. A doublet of manifesto.
Is “manifest” a common word?
“Manifest” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “manifest” have?
“Manifest” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: clear and obvious to see or understand.
What is the difference between manifest as an adjective and manifest as a verb?
As an adjective, manifest means clear and obvious to see or understand, describing something already evident, as in 'a manifest error.' As a verb, manifest means to show something clearly or for something to become visible, as in 'symptoms began to manifest.'
What does it mean to 'manifest' something in the popular self-help sense?
In this popular, informal use, to manifest means to will something into existence through belief or positive thinking, such as visualizing a goal to help bring it about. This differs from the traditional meanings of the word, which relate to making something visible or clear rather than creating it through intention.
What is a ship's manifest?
A ship's manifest is a list of the cargo or passengers being carried, used for record-keeping, customs, and logistics purposes. The same term applies to manifests for planes and trucks as well.
Is 'manifest' used differently in medicine and law?
In medicine, 'manifest' is often used to describe symptoms becoming visible or apparent, such as a disease that 'manifests' after an incubation period. In law, 'manifest' typically functions as an adjective describing something obvious or clear, such as a 'manifest injustice.'