The word “manifest” has been named the word of 2024 by Cambridge Dictionary, based on its surge in popularity and new meaning as a verb related to dreaming or willing something into existence. This shift in meaning is attributed to the power of visualization and positive thinking, with celebrities like singer Dua Lipa and gymnast Simone Biles crediting their success to manifesting their dreams.
According to Wendalyn Nichols, the publishing manager of the Cambridge Dictionary, the word “manifest” has seen a significant increase in searches on their website, with 130,000 searches this year alone. The word has a long history, dating back to the 1300s, and has been used by famous figures like Chaucer and Shakespeare in various contexts.
The term “manifest destiny” was also popularized by US President Andrew Jackson in the 1830s, suggesting that American settlers were destined to spread westward. However, the most recent meaning of “speaking your dreams into existence” has gained traction in recent years, particularly on social media and during the pandemic.
Sander van der Linden, a professor of social psychology at Cambridge University, explained that manifesting falls under “magical thinking” and may promote obsessive behavior with no real benefits. While positive thinking, self-affirmation, and goal-setting have been shown to be beneficial, it is important to distinguish between those practices and the pseudoscience of manifesting realities with the mind.
Overall, the popularity of manifesting, fueled by social media and celebrity endorsement, highlights the desire for individuals to take control of their destinies and achieve their dreams through the power of positive thinking.
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Photo credit www.theguardian.com
