Manifest
/ˈmænɪˌfɛst/
adjectiveverbnounC1
Definition
As an adjective, manifest describes something very clear or obvious to see or understand. As a verb, it means to show or make something visible or clear. As a noun, it is a list of items or people, often used in travel or shipping. The word is used in many situations, from feelings and ideas becoming clear, to physical signs appearing, or official lists being made.
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See It in Action
Adjective: clear or obvious to see or understand
- •Her disappointment was manifest on her face.
- •The problem was manifest to everyone in the room.
- •There was manifest evidence of damage after the storm.
Verb: to show or display something clearly
- •The symptoms manifest themselves within a few days.
- •His confidence manifested in his strong voice.
- •The artist’s talent manifested early in childhood.
Noun: an official list of passengers or cargo on a ship or plane
- •The captain checked the manifest before departure.
- •The manifest included the names of all passengers.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "manifest" like "clear" or "show," but stronger—something that cannot be hidden or is very easy to notice.
- ✓Picture a bright sign or a flag waving clearly so everyone can see it.
- ✓It’s the feeling when your happiness or anger is easy for others to see on your face.
- ✓Sounds like "MAN-i-fest" → imagine a man making a big, clear announcement at a festival so everyone understands.
- ✓In stories, when a character’s true feelings manifest, they become obvious to others.
- ✓NOT like "hidden" or "secret"—manifest means the opposite, something open and visible.
- ✓As a verb, NOT like "guess" or "imagine"—manifest means to actually show or prove something clearly.
- ✓As a noun, NOT like "random list"—a manifest is an organized, official list, often for travel or cargo.
Try Other Words
- •Obvious: very easy to see or understand (Use when you want to say something is easy to notice without formality)
- •Show: to make visible or known (Use as a verb when talking about displaying or revealing something)
- •List: a set of names or items written down (Use as a noun when referring to a collection of information, less formal than manifest)
- •Display: to show something clearly (Use as a verb when something is shown openly)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: from Latin "manifestus" meaning "caught in the act, clearly apprehended"
- •Etymology: Latin "manus" (hand) + "festus" (struck, seized) → literally "struck by the hand," meaning something clear or obvious
- •Historical development: Originally used in legal and formal contexts to mean something obvious or proven, later extended to general use for anything clearly shown or seen
- •Modern usage: Used in everyday language to describe clear signs or displays, also a technical term for official lists in transport and shipping
Reflect & Connect
•How can feelings or ideas manifest differently in actions versus words?
•Can something be manifest but still misunderstood? Why might that happen?
Fill in the blanks
1.Her nervousness was manifest ___ her shaking hands and quick speech.
2.When symptoms manifest, they usually ___ after an infection or illness.
3.Unlike hidden feelings, manifest emotions are easy for others to ___ and understand.
4.The captain checked the manifest to confirm ___ all passengers were on board.
5.The artist’s creativity manifested ___ early, showing in drawings and paintings.
6.A manifest is not just any list; it is an ___ and official document.
7.When a problem is manifest, it usually requires ___ attention to fix it.