Pop star Dua Lipa and gymnast Simone Biles are among those who have used this phrase contributing to the term’s popularity on platforms like TikTok.
The word has been searched almost 130,000 times on the Cambridge Dictionary website this year, making it one of the most-searched terms of 2024.
The Cambridge Dictionary has named "manifest" as its Word of the Year 2024, following widespread usage and interest, particularly among celebrities and social media influencers.
Especially the phrase "manifesting success" is widespread on the internet.
Wendalyn Nichols, Cambridge Dictionary's editorial manager, noted the surge in its usage, attributing it to evolving meanings influenced by contemporary events and media.
The history of the word
Originally, "manifest" meant "clear or obvious" when first used in English in the 14th century, as seen in the works of Geoffrey Chaucer.
Over time, its meaning expanded, notably in the 19th century, with terms like "manifest destiny" in American politics, signifying a clear purpose or inevitability.
Today, the term has further evolved to signify the act of imagining desired outcomes with the belief that doing so increases their likelihood—a practice popularized during the pandemic.
However, experts warn against misconceptions. Dr. Sander van der Linden of Cambridge University describes "manifestation" as a form of "magical thinking" without scientific basis.
He critiques viral practices like the 3-6-9 method, which involve repetitive rituals to manifest goals, suggesting they can foster unrealistic expectations and disappointment.
While positive thinking and goal-setting are backed by research, equating mental visualization with reality-changing power crosses into pseudoscience.
As Nichols highlights, the term "manifest" demonstrates the dynamic evolution of language, reflecting shifts in societal beliefs and practices.
