The word "manifest" has been spotlighted by the Cambridge Dictionary as the Word of the Year for 2024, reflecting its growing presence across social media and its frequent use by well-known personalities such as Dua Lipa and Simone Biles. This term has seen lookups on the Cambridge Dictionary's website soar to nearly 130,000 this year alone, driven by discussions on personal success and achievement strategies.
Wendalyn Nichols, the publishing manager at the Cambridge Dictionary, explained the reasoning behind choosing this word. "Its use widened greatly across all types of media due to events in 2024, illustrating how the meanings of words can evolve over time," she stated. The new definitions and usages of words often arise from their cultural significance, and "manifest" encapsulates ideas around visualization and affirmation, which many feel can lead to tangible outcomes.
Dua Lipa has been particularly vocal about her belief in the power of manifesting. Citing her career achievements, including headlining the prestigious Glastonbury Festival, she shared with Time magazine, "Manifesting is a big thing for me. I stand very firmly in the belief of putting things out to the world. Subconsciously, you just work toward them. Nothing's ever too big."
Alongside Lipa, Olympic champion Simone Biles also contributes to the conversation surrounding this term. She encourages aspirants to note down their goals and visualize their success, stating, "You have to write it down, you have to speak it and see it daily, and then it usually happens."
Historically, the term "manifest" originates from French and Latin, with its first recorded uses dating back as early as the late 1300s. Initially employed as an adjective meaning 'clear' or 'obvious', it transitioned over the years to embody notions of demonstrating clearly, which aligns with the contemporary meaning associated with self-help practices.
Despite its popularity, the practice of manifesting isn't without critics. Many experts caution against the dangers inherent to what they term ‘magical thinking’. Psychologist Sander van der Linden from Cambridge University argues, "Manifesting is what psychologists call ‘magical thinking’, the illusion where specific mental rituals can change the world around us. This framework can lead individuals to develop obsessive behaviors without substantial rewards."
The appeal of manifesting surged during the pandemic, with platforms like TikTok promoting various manifestation techniques, such as the popular 3-6-9 method. This method recommends writing down desires three times each morning, six times each afternoon, and nine times before bed—a ritual some proponents claim fosters success.
Though some research suggests positive thinking and goal-setting can aid mental well-being, it's important to differentiate these practices from unscientific claims about changing reality through mere thought. Van der Linden calls for caution, noting, "While there is value in positive thinking, believing we can alter our life circumstances purely by imagining them is more aligned with pseudoscience. It’s important for people to approach these ideas critically. "
Cambridge Dictionary has also shared insights on their contenders for the Word of the Year, with finalists like "brat" and "ecotarian." The former generated interest as it reflects cultural shifts and new linguistic developments. Despite this, the dictionary found the evolution and usage frequency of "manifest" compelling enough for recognition this year.
Many wonder if the trend toward manifesting will continue to evolve or fade away as public attention shifts. The conversation surrounding this word brings forth reflections on ambition and self-help culture, underscoring how contemporary society grapples with achievement, expectations, and the power of belief.
Word of the Year selections from established dictionaries often mirror broader societal trends and behaviors, with factors such as social media influence, celebrity endorsements, and changing cultural narratives weighing heavily on which word garners attention. The ascent of "manifest" continues to inspire discussions around personal purpose and outcome, situational awareness, and the shared human desire for connection between thought and reality.
How the concept of manifesting will be viewed moving forward remains uncertain as society navigates its needs, desires, and the digital age’s influence on communication and self-identification. One thing is clear: the power of words—and the ideas they encapsulate—remains resilient and ever-changing, much like our dreams and aspirations.
