manifest
/ˈmæn.ɪ.fɛst/Clearly seen or understood by anyone who looks. There is no doubt or confusion about it. This word is more formal than 'obvious' and is common in academic writing.
- His manifest discomfort made the whole room go quiet.
- The report contained manifest errors that no one had caught.
- There was manifest unfairness in how the rules were applied.
To show something clearly, or to become visible and real. When a feeling or condition 'manifests,' it emerges and can be seen or experienced. Often used with 'as' or 'in'.
- Her anxiety manifested as an inability to sleep at night.
- The team's poor morale began to manifest in falling sales.
- His talent manifested early, winning prizes at age twelve.
An official document that lists the passengers or cargo on a ship, plane, or truck. It is used for legal and customs purposes.
- The customs officer checked every item on the cargo manifest.
- Your name was not found on the passenger manifest.
Adinary Nuance
The adjective "manifest" lives in the same neighbourhood as "obvious," "evident," and "apparent," but they are not always interchangeable. "Manifest" is the most formal of the group — it fits naturally in IELTS essays and academic writing, while "obvious" sounds casual and conversational. Watch out for "apparent," which can mean "seeming but possibly not real" (e.g., "his apparent confidence hid deep fear"), whereas "manifest" always points to something that is genuinely and visibly real. As a verb, "manifest" competes with "show," "display," and "demonstrate" — the key difference is that "manifest" suggests a natural emergence (stress manifests as headaches) rather than a deliberate act of showing. If you want to sound precise and academic rather than just descriptive, "manifest" is usually the stronger choice.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- rõ ràng / biểu hiện
- Spanish
- manifiesto / manifestar
- Chinese
- 明显的 / 表现
- Japanese
- 明らかな / 現れる
- Korean
- 명백한 / 나타나다
Etymology
From Latin "manifestus," meaning "caught in the act" or "plainly visible," which came into English via Old French "manifeste" in the late 14th century. The original sense of being "caught red-handed" evolved into the modern idea of something being undeniably clear.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is 'manifest' formal or informal?
- It is formal. It sounds natural in academic writing, IELTS essays, and professional reports, but it can sound stiff in everyday conversation. For casual speech, use 'obvious' or 'clear' instead.
- What is the difference between 'manifest' and 'apparent'?
- 'Manifest' means something is genuinely and clearly real — there is no doubt. 'Apparent' can sometimes mean only 'seeming' or 'on the surface,' which may not reflect the true situation. For example, 'apparent calm' can mean someone looks calm but is actually nervous.
- Can 'manifest' be used as a verb?
- Yes. As a verb it means to show or emerge clearly, and it is very common in academic and professional writing. You often use it with 'as' or 'in': 'The problem manifested as repeated errors' or 'Her talent manifested in her early work.'
- How do I use 'manifest' in an IELTS essay?
- Use it as an adjective to replace 'obvious' for a more academic tone: 'There is manifest inequality in the education system.' As a verb, it works well to describe cause-and-effect: 'Poor policy decisions often manifest in long-term economic decline.'