Manifest: Cambridge Dictionary’s Word of the Year 2024

As the year draws to a close, it’s customary for popular dictionaries to reveal their “Word of the Year.” Cambridge Dictionary has chosen “manifest” as its word of the year for 2024. This word, which traces its origins to Latin and French, first appeared in English with the meaning “easily noticed or obvious.” Over time, its meaning evolved, and by the early 20th century, it was used to refer to the idea of “making something happen by internalizing it, whether intentionally or unintentionally.” In its verb form, “manifest” came to mean “to show something clearly.” According to Cambridge, the word has been looked up nearly 130,000 times on its website, making it one of the most frequently viewed entries.

Despite being over six centuries old, the concept of “manifesting” has experienced a resurgence on social media, largely due to a wave of celebrities using it to explain how they’ve turned their dreams into achievements. This revival is also fueled by the rise of “manifesting influencers” who promote the practice—despite its lack of scientific backing—as a key component of the booming trillion-dollar wellness industry. On TikTok, the hashtag #manifesting now has over 1.6 million posts, reflecting its growing popularity.

On the other hand, Collins Dictionary has chosen “brat” as its word of the year, defining it as someone who exhibits a confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude. Along with “demure,” this selection highlights the ongoing influence of the internet on our pop culture and the way we engage with each other soon.