The Meaning of Manifest: What It Is and How To Use It

Do you know the definition of manifest? This article will provide you with all of the information you need on the word manifest, including its definition, usage, example sentences, and more!

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What does the word manifest mean?

According to the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language as well as other dictionaries like American Heritage and Collins English Dictionary, the word manifest can be used as an adjective, noun, or verb. As an adjective, this word means easily understood or recognized, or readily perceived by the senses, especially of sight. As a verb, this word is used to mean to make evident. This is considered a transitive verb. As a noun, the word manifest means the same thing as manifestation or Manifesto. Archaically, the word manifest was used to refer to a list of passengers or invoice of cargo on a ship, plane, or vehicle.

Many different languages also contain words that mean manifest. You may notice that many of these words look similar to the word manifest. These are called cognates, which are usually formed when two words share a root or language of origin. List of translations of manifest is provided by Word Sense.

  •  Maori: whakatinana‎
  •  Finnish: ilmaista‎, tuoda ilmi, tuoda julki, ilmetä‎
  •  Spanish: manifestar‎, mostrar‎, revelar‎
  •  Catalan: manifestar‎
  •  German: manifestieren‎
  •  Portuguese: manifestar‎
  •  Scots: manifest‎
  •  Dutch: manifesteren‎
  •  Norwegian: manifestere‎
  •  Japanese: 表明する‎ (hyōmei-suru)
  •  Vietnamese: biểu hiện‎
  •  Russian: проявля́ть‎ (impf), прояви́ть‎ (pf) (transitive), проявля́ться‎ (impf), прояви́ться‎ (pf) (intransitive)
  •  Mandarin: 表明‎ (biǎomíng), 表露‎ (biǎolù), 顯示‎, 显示‎ (xiǎnshì), 表現‎, 表现‎ (biǎoxiàn)

How can the word manifest be used in a sentence?

The word manifest can be used in many different ways. Using a word in a sentence is a great way to memorize its definition. You could also try creating flashcards or quizzes to test yourself on your knowledge and vocabulary. Try using this word of the day in a sentence today. Below are several examples of manifest. Make a note of how this word is used differently as an adjective, noun, and verb. This word Is mainly used in professional and formal settings. To use the word manifest in a casual setting may come off somewhat strange. 

They could see the manifest disapproval on the old teacher’s face. There was clear judgment from her for their behavior. While the teacher had a sense of fairness, her external attributes made her come off bitter. 

The ship’s manifest on the way to Rome included a list of cargo, a customs document from a passenger manifest, and an invoice of goods. It would be required when they reach their destination to have a public declaration of proof of manifest. 

In the story, the ghost manifests as a disembodied spirit warning the citizens of incoming illness, high fever, and other spooky things.

The woman knew she could manifest positive things through a vision board and meditation. She manifested everything in her life, from a new job, to better internet, with great emotion. 

The effects of the drought manifested parched fields for the farmers. They struggled through each season and could never quite grow enough crops to support their families. 

The woman put time and effort into manifesting the life of her dreams. She meditated every night and thought about what she wanted out of life. Eventually, she ended up with a great job and amazing social life. 

What are synonyms and antonyms of manifest?

There are many different words and phrases that one can use in place of the word manifest. These are called synonyms, which are words and phrases that have the same definition as the word manifest. Learning synonyms is a great way to avoid repeating yourself and expand your English language vocabulary. Below are many examples of the word manifest, provided by Thesaurus.

  •  embody
  •  express
  •  wave around
  •  personalize
  •  substantiate
  •  parade
  •  illustrate
  •  signify
  •  confirm
  •  mark
  •  set forth
  •  exteriorize
  •  flash
  •  externalize
  •  show and tell
  •  materialize
  •  sport
  •  vent
  •  utter
  •  let it all hang out
  •  show
  •  expose
  •  personize
  •  incarnate
  •  suggest
  •  showcase
  •  voice
  •  strut
  •  reveal
  •  evince
  •  demonstrate
  •  prove
  •  objectify
  •  proclaim
  •  personify
  •  ostend
  •  evidence
  •  establish
  •  exhibit
  •  display
  •  declare

There are also numerous words that mean the opposite of the word manifest. These are called antonyms. Learning antonyms is another great way to expand your English language vocabulary. This list of antonyms for the word manifest is also provided by Thesaurus.

  •   plant
  •  keep from
  •  disguise
  •  shelter
  •  tuck away
  •  hush up
  •  camouflage
  •  conceal
  •  stow away
  •  cloak
  •  go underground
  •  suppress
  •  hole up
  •  blot out
  •  mask
  •  curtain
  •  withhold
  •  stash
  •  protect
  •  ensconce
  •  duck
  •  smuggle
  •  lock up
  •  take cover
  •  harbor
  •  obscure
  •  cover
  •  put out of the way
  •  not tell
  •  shadow
  •  veil
  •  shield
  •  ditch
  •  lie low
  •  cache
  •  keep secret
  •  dissemble
  •  eclipse
  •  go into hiding
  •  reserve
  •  stifle
  •  screen
  •  not give away
  •  hold back
  •  squirrel
  •  shroud
  •  salt away
  •  secrete
  •  bury
  •  adumbrate

What is the origin of the word manifest?

According to Etymonline, the word manifest has been used since the late 14th century and comes from the Old French manifest, a 12th century word. This also comes from the Latin manifestus, from the Latin manus meaning hand and festus. Manifest has been used as a noun since the 1610s, and as a verb and adjective since the late 14th century. Related words can be formed by adding the suffixes tion, ly, and o, to make manifestation, manifesto, and manifestly.

Overall, the word manifest means to make clear or obvious. This can also be used as a noun or adjective. This can also refer to the particulars of a ship or commercial vehicle, and can include an invoice of the passengers or cargo. This word comes from the Middle English manifeste, French manifeste, and Latin manufestus, among other Indo-European roots. 

Sources:

  1. MANIFEST Synonyms: 84 Synonyms & Antonyms for MANIFEST | Thesaurus 
  2. IDE Synonyms: 64 Synonyms & Antonyms for HIDE | Thesaurus 
  3. manifest: meaning, origin, translation | Word Sense 
  4. manifest | Origin and meaning of manifest | Online Etymology Dictionary Manifest | Definition of Manifest | Merriam-Webster