Manifest Named Cambridge Dictionary’s Word of the Year 2024
Cambridge Dictionary has named “manifest” as its word of the year for 2024. Celebrities like Dua Lipa and Simone Biles popularized the term by discussing how they manifest their success. The word saw nearly 130,000 searches on the Cambridge Dictionary website this year.
Wendalyn Nichols, the publishing manager, noted a significant increase in lookups for “manifest.” The term’s meaning has expanded in media, reflecting changes in usage over time. Lexicographers now describe manifesting as imagining your goals to make them more likely to happen.
Dr. Sander van der Linden, a social psychology professor at Cambridge University, warned that manifesting lacks scientific evidence. He categorized it as “magical thinking” and pointed out its rise during the pandemic, especially on TikTok. The 3-6-9 method encourages writing down wishes multiple times a day, but this can lead to obsessive behavior without real benefits.
Dr. van der Linden emphasized that manifesting can create unrealistic expectations and disappointment. He cautioned against the belief that wishes can cure serious diseases, highlighting the importance of setting realistic goals and working towards them.
What are the potential pitfalls of using the term “manifest” in personal development?
Interview with Dr. Sander van der Linden on the Rise of “Manifest” as Cambridge Dictionary’s Word of the Year 2024
News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us, Dr. van der Linden. The Cambridge Dictionary has named “manifest” as the word of the year for 2024. What do you think this says about current societal trends?
Dr. Sander van der Linden: Thank you for having me. The choice of “manifest” reflects a cultural shift towards self-improvement and personal agency, particularly prominent on social media platforms like TikTok. It highlights the desire for control over one’s destiny, especially in uncertain times like the pandemic. However, it also opens up discussions about the risks of adopting such concepts without empirical backing.
News Directory 3: Celebrities like Dua Lipa and Simone Biles have been credited with popularizing the term. What influence do public figures have on language and its evolution?
Dr. Sander van der Linden: Celebrities have a significant impact on language. Their influence can accelerate the adoption of terms like “manifest” into everyday conversation. As they embody success stories through these concepts, it creates a powerful narrative that resonates with fans. This can be a double-edged sword, however, as it sometimes promotes practices that lack scientific validation.
News Directory 3: You referred to manifesting as “magical thinking.” Can you elaborate on what you mean by that?
Dr. Sander van der Linden: Certainly. Magical thinking involves the belief that one can influence outcomes simply through desire or thought, without taking actionable steps. While visualization can be a motivational tool, thinking that mere wishing will achieve results is misleading. This belief can produce unrealistic expectations and, in some cases, significant disappointment when outcomes do not match desires.
News Directory 3: The 3-6-9 method has gained traction as a way to manifest desires. What are your thoughts on this approach?
Dr. Sander van der Linden: The 3-6-9 method involves writing down wishes multiple times a day, promoting a habit of focus on one’s goals. While it can serve as an interesting mindfulness exercise, it risks fostering obsessive behavior. It’s crucial for individuals to maintain a balance, remember that real progress requires actionable steps, and not to rely solely on written words to create their reality.
News Directory 3: You mentioned the historical context of “manifest.” How does the evolution of this term reflect societal changes?
Dr. Sander van der Linden: The oldest usage of “manifest” relates to clarity and visibility, as in Chaucer’s work. Over time, it evolved to encompass broader themes like “manifest destiny” in American history. Today, it’s used more broadly, often in contexts like identifying personal or societal issues—like a company’s instability being described as manifesting through declining values. This evolution indicates how language adapts to the needs and challenges of society.
News Directory 3: As we look toward the future, what advice would you offer individuals interested in manifesting their goals?
Dr. Sander van der Linden: My advice would be to approach goal setting with a balance of aspiration and realism. While it’s healthy to envision success, it’s equally important to practically plan how to achieve those dreams. Setting achievable goals, seeking support, and acknowledging setbacks along the way can create a more sustainable pathway to success rather than relying solely on the notion of manifestation.
The oldest use of “manifest” relates to being obvious or easily noticed, as seen in Geoffrey Chaucer’s work from the 14th century. In the mid-1800s, “manifest destiny” referred to American settlers’ belief in their right to expand across North America.
Today, “manifest” is commonly used in contexts like expressing dissatisfaction. For instance, a company’s instability can manifest through falling share prices. The term continues to evolve, reflecting its changing role in language and culture.