The power of words and their meanings is a fascinating aspect of language. "Manifest", which has long been used in English with various meanings, has seen a remarkable surge in popularity in 2024. This word, once known primarily as an adjective meaning "clear" or "obvious", has now taken on a new life as a verb, representing the act of dreaming or willing something into existence. Let's explore the journey of "manifest" and its significance in different contexts.

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The Historical Roots of "Manifest"

Derived from French and Latin, "manifest" has a long history in the English language. As early as the 1300s, it was used as an adjective. Chaucer employed it in the late 14th century in its adjectival sense, indicating clarity or obviousness. Shakespeare also made use of the word, both as a noun and a verb, demonstrating its versatility. In King Lear, the Duke of Albany denounces Edmund for his "heinous, manifest, and many treasons", highlighting its negative connotation. Meanwhile, in Twelfth Night, Malvolio delights in supposed praise of his yellow stockings, showing how the word can be used in a more lighthearted context. The King James Bible of 1611 also translated the first epistle of John to read: "In this was manifested the love of God towards us", further emphasizing its significance in religious and literary contexts.

The word can also be used as a noun, referring to the full list of a ship's cargo, a usage that dates back to 1561. Additionally, "manifest destiny" was a term employed by the US president Andrew Jackson in the 1830s, suggesting that American settlers should spread westward across the continent. These historical examples show the wide range of applications and interpretations of the word "manifest" over time.

The Modern Popularity of "Manifest"

In 2024, "manifest" has experienced a significant surge in popularity, especially on social media. The singer Dua Lipa has attributed her success, including headlining Glastonbury in June, to manifesting. She firmly believes in putting things into the world and working towards them subconsciously. Simone Biles has also been credited with manifesting her award-winning gymnastics career, having spoken of visualising future success as a young girl.

Wendalyn Nichols, the publishing manager of the Cambridge Dictionary, noted that the word "manifest" had "increased notably in lookups" this year, with 130,000 searches on the Cambridge Dictionary website. Its use widened greatly across all types of media, demonstrating how the meanings of a word can change over time.

The Controversy Surrounding "Manifesting"

While "manifesting" has gained tremendous popularity, especially on TikTok with billions of views, there is also controversy surrounding its scientific validity. Sander van der Linden, a professor of social psychology at Cambridge University, cautions that manifesting is what psychologists call "magical thinking" or the general illusion that specific mental rituals can change the world around us.

The popular 3-6-9 method, which calls for writing down your wishes three times in the morning, six times in the afternoon, and nine times before bed, promotes obsessive and compulsive behavior with no discernible benefits. However, it is understandable that people are drawn to the idea of manifesting when they see prominent celebrities openly discussing their success in these terms. There is good research on the value of positive thinking, self-affirmation, and goal-setting, but it is important to distinguish between these and the idea of moving reality with one's mind.