The Cambridge Dictionary has chosen "manifest" as its word of the year for 2024, reflecting the rising prominence of the concept in both mainstream culture and personal development.
Meaning of "Manifest" The word "manifest" carries multiple meanings. Traditionally, it refers to something "easily noticed or obvious" or the act of "showing something clearly through signs or actions." Its modern interpretation includes the practice of using visualization and affirmation to imagine achieving a goal, believing this increases its likelihood.
This trend gained significant momentum, particularly among celebrities like singer Dua Lipa, who credits manifestation as a factor in her success. Speaking in an interview earlier this year, Lipa said, “If you set an intention and think about it every single day, it can have a real impact.”
Expert Perspectives While "manifesting" has become a global wellness trend, not all experts agree on its effectiveness. Dr. Sander van der Linden, a social psychology professor at the University of Cambridge, cautioned that there is no scientific basis for "manifesting wealth, love, or power," and it may lead to unrealistic expectations. However, he acknowledged the benefits of positive thinking, goal-setting, and self-affirmation, which can motivate tangible actions in the real world.
Popularity and Evolution The concept of manifestation saw a sharp rise in popularity in 2024, with searches for the term exceeding 130,000 this year. The Cambridge Dictionary included this new meaning in May 2023. The word’s origins trace back to Latin and French, initially meaning "obvious" or "easily noticed." Its evolution reflects a growing association with visualization practices in modern contexts.
Other Words That Made Waves Other popular terms in 2024 included:
Brat: This word, describing a misbehaving child, gained popularity through Charli XCX’s album celebrating non-conformist women. Demure: A term meaning "quiet or well-behaved," frequently used satirically on TikTok to mock stereotypical femininity. Goldilocks: A phrase describing a "just right" scenario, such as India’s economy being characterized as having strong growth and moderate inflation. Shortlisted words for the title of Word of the Year also included "ecotarian," reflecting environmentally conscious living, and "resilience," symbolizing adaptability and strength.
Why "Manifest"? Cambridge Dictionary's publishing manager, Wendalyn Nichols, explained that "manifest" stood out due to its notable increase in lookups and its widespread use across different media. She highlighted how the word reflects broader linguistic trends and cultural shifts.