Cambridge Dictionary has announced that 'manifest' has been chosen as the word of the year for 2024. This decision was influenced by the word's increased usage and popularity, particularly in mainstream media.
The term 'manifest' has gained traction in recent years, thanks in part to celebrities like singer Dua Lipa and US Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, who have spoken about how they use manifestation techniques to achieve their goals.
Defined as the practice of using visualization and affirmation to help envision achieving desired outcomes, 'manifest' has evolved from its original meaning of 'easily noticed or obvious' to now encompass the idea of making something happen by internalizing it intentionally or unintentionally.
According to Cambridge Dictionary, the word 'manifest' has been searched nearly 130,000 times on its website, making it one of the most viewed entries. This surge in interest led to its inclusion in the dictionary in May of 2023.
Wendalyn Nichols, the publishing manager at Cambridge Dictionary, explained that the selection of 'manifest' as word of the year was based on user data, zeitgeist, and language trends. The word's changing meanings over time and its widespread use across various forms of media were key factors in its selection.
Other words considered for the 2024 word of the year included 'brat,' inspired by singer Charli XCX's album title, 'ecotarian,' reflecting environmentally conscious living, and 'resilience,' symbolizing strength and adaptability.
Collins Dictionary also recently named 'brat' as its word of the year, defining it as someone characterized by a confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude.
Overall, the rise of 'manifest' in popular culture and its impact on language usage highlight the evolving nature of words and their meanings in contemporary society.
