Words / B2

MAN-if-est/ˈmænɪfest/

To manifest is to show a quality clearly, or to appear: stress can manifest as; manifest itself. Show is everyday; display is cooler. Stress can manifest as missed practicals. Adjective: obvious. Mix-up: manifesto is a policy document (already elsewhere); manipulate is to control unfairly (already in the dictionary). Do not write manifest for “write a manifesto”.

Meaning

To show a quality or feeling clearly; also to appear.

Examples

• “Stress can manifest as missed practicals, the counsellor note said.”
• “The problem manifested after the first freeze, which is the appear sense.”

Good to know

manifest as / itself; a manifest error (adjective). Noun document: manifesto. Trap: manipulate. Health, law, and news. Show or appear, not a party leaflet.

Near in meaning

show

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