adj
Uncommon
manifest
MAN-ih-fehst
Manifest (adj) means Clear and obvious to see or understand. Example: “Her frustration was manifest in every word she said.”
adj
1
Clear and obvious to see or understand.
"Her frustration was manifest in every word she said."
"It was manifest from his smile that the interview had gone well."
"The need for repairs was manifest to anyone who saw the leaking roof."
verb
1
To show something clearly, or for something to become visible or apparent.
"His anxiety began to manifest as trouble sleeping."
"The symptoms didn't manifest until weeks after the injury."
"Her talent for music began to manifest when she was only four."
2
To will something into existence through belief or positive thinking (a popular, informal use).
"She keeps a journal where she writes down what she wants to manifest this year."
"He sits quietly each morning and tries to manifest a calmer life."
"Do you really think you can manifest a new job just by believing?"
noun
1
A list of the cargo or passengers carried by a ship, plane, or truck.
"Customs checked the manifest against the containers on the dock."
"The captain checked the manifest to make sure every crate was on board."
"A flight manifest lists the name of each passenger on the plane."
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.
Common mistake
The self-help sense ("manifest your dreams") is a newer, informal use distinct from the older, more formal "manifest evidence of wrongdoing."
Common pairings
manifest itself
a manifest failure
manifest symptoms
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Word forms
- Plural
- manifests
- Third person singular
- manifests
- Past tense
- manifested
- Comparative
- more manifest
- Superlative
- most manifest
- Archaic forms
- manifestest, manifestedst, manifesteth
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
View more →Antonyms
Related words
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.'
