What is manifest? Pronunciation and usage in English

manifest means . Learn how to pronounce and use manifest through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of manifest

manifestverb

/ˈmænɪfest//ˈmænɪfest/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "manifest." It's a tricky one because it's often mispronounced! Here's the breakdown:

Correct Pronunciation:

  • MAH-nuh-fist

Let's break it down further:

  • MAH: Like the sound in "father" or "car."
  • nuh: Like the sound in "sun" or "nut." (Short "u" sound)
  • fist: Like the word "fist," but with a slightly more emphasized 'i' sound - close to the 'i' in "bit".

Common Mispronunciations & Why They're Wrong:

  • "Man-i-fest": This is the most common mistake. The "a" in "manifest" isn’t short like in "man." It's a longer "ah" sound.
  • "Man-uh-fest": While closer, the "i" in "fest" shouldn’t be pronounced so clearly.

Resources to Help You Hear It:

Tips for Remembering:

  • Think of the "ah" sound: Focus on making the first syllable a long "ah" sound.
  • Listen repeatedly: Hearing it correctly over and over will help you internalize the pronunciation.

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you more examples of the word in use?

Usage and examples with the word manifest in English

Let's break down how to use the word "manifest" in English. It's a versatile word with multiple meanings, so it's important to understand the context. Here's a detailed explanation:

1. Core Meaning: To Make Something Real or Visible

  • Most Common Usage: "Manifest" generally means to bring something into being, to make something real, or to show itself. It implies an active process, not just passive existence.

    • Example: "She manifested her dream job through hard work and networking." (She actively worked towards and brought her dream job into reality.)
    • Example: "The rain started to manifest, darkening the sky." (The rain appeared – it became visible.)
    • Example: "His creativity began to manifest in his paintings." (His creativity started to show itself through his art.)

2. Legal/Official Meaning: A Document Declaring Something

  • Legal Documents: "Manifest" refers to a legal document, particularly in shipping and transportation. It’s a formal declaration of the contents of a shipment.
    • Example: "The shipping manifest listed the goods being transported."
    • Example: “The customs manifest detailed the origin and value of the goods.”

3. Religious/Spiritual Meaning: To Reveal or Show

  • New Age/Spiritual Context: “Manifest” is frequently used in the New Age and spiritual communities to describe the process of attracting things into your life through your thoughts and feelings. It's about aligning your intentions with the universe.
    • Example: “Practicing gratitude can help you manifest the life you desire.” (Focusing on gratitude will bring you closer to achieving your desires.)
    • Important Note: This usage is often associated with the Law of Attraction.

4. To Show or Display (Less Common)

  • You can use "manifest" to mean “to show or display openly.” This usage is less frequent and often sounds a bit formal.
    • Example: “His anger manifested in a shouting match.” (His anger showed itself through shouting.)

Here’s a breakdown of how to use it in different sentence structures:

  • Subject + Manifest + Object/Result: "She manifested a beautiful garden."
  • Subject + Manifest + Verb (showing a process): "He manifested his ideas into a business plan."
  • “Manifest” as a Noun: “The manifest was checked carefully.” (Referring to the legal document)

Tips for Using “Manifest” Correctly:

  • Context is key: Pay close attention to the surrounding words to determine the intended meaning.
  • Be mindful of the tone: The spiritual/New Age usage of "manifest" can sound a bit unconventional to some people.
  • Consider alternatives: If “manifest” doesn’t quite fit, consider words like “bring about,” "show," "reveal," “create,” or “develop.”

Resources for More Information:


To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "manifest"? (e.g., writing a story, a casual conversation, a spiritual practice, etc.)

Practice with vocabulary manifest

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The increasing public discontent began to _______ in widespread protests across the capital.
  2. Her strong leadership qualities will eventually _______ themselves as she takes on more responsibility within the team.
  3. The company aims to _______ its commitment to sustainability through various eco-friendly initiatives.
  4. Before the critical board meeting, please ensure you _______ all the necessary documents and reports.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The subtle changes in the data _______ a growing trend that requires immediate attention. A) conceal B) obscure C) manifest D) hide

  2. Which of the following words can describe the act of showing a feeling or quality clearly? A) express B) obscure C) manifest D) demonstrate

  3. The architect's vision for the new building will soon _______ in the completed structure. A) materialize B) emerge C) disappear D) manifest

  4. To _______ your argument effectively, you must provide compelling evidence and a clear logical flow. A) articulate B) conceal C) disregard D) diminish

  5. The sudden _______ of the rare nocturnal bird delighted the ornithologists who had been waiting for hours. A) disappearance B) emergence C) reluctance D) stability


Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The stress she was feeling started to show itself in her restless behavior and difficulty sleeping. (Rewrite using "manifest")
  2. The recent surge in cyberattacks is a clear sign of the increasing digital threats we face in the modern era. (Rewrite using a related form of "manifest")
  3. His deep dedication to the project became clear through his tireless efforts and long working hours. (Rewrite without using "manifest" or its related forms, but with a suitable replacement word)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The increasing public discontent began to manifest in widespread protests across the capital.
  2. Her strong leadership qualities will eventually manifest themselves as she takes on more responsibility within the team.
  3. The company aims to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability through various eco-friendly initiatives.
  4. Before the critical board meeting, please ensure you prepare all the necessary documents and reports.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C) manifest
  2. A) express, C) manifest, D) demonstrate
  3. A) materialize, B) emerge, D) manifest
  4. A) articulate
  5. B) emergence

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The stress she was feeling began to manifest itself in her restless behavior and difficulty sleeping.
  2. The recent surge in cyberattacks is a clear manifestation of the increasing digital threats we face in the modern era.
  3. His deep dedication to the project was evident through his tireless efforts and long working hours.

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