Cambridge Dictionary picks 'manifest' as Word of the Year 2024, here's why
Cambridge Dictionary picks 'manifest' as Word of the Year 2024, here's why (Representative image)
Cambridge Dictionary has chosen "manifest" as its Word of the Year for 2024, following a surge of nearly 130,000 searches on its website. This increase reflects the widespread interest in the concept of "manifesting"—the practice of visualising goals to make them a reality. The trend, which gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to thrive, especially on platforms like TikTok, where millions of posts use the hashtag #manifest.
Celebrities help fuel the trend
The idea of manifesting has gained popularity with support from celebrities like singer Dua Lipa, gymnast Simone Biles, and footballer Ollie Watkins, who have all credited the practice with helping them succeed in 2024.
Also read |American influencer Logan Paul accused of misleading fans over his cryptocurrency investments
Experts warn against misunderstanding the concept
Despite its widespread popularity, experts caution that manifesting lacks scientific backing. Dr Sander van der Linden, a social psychology professor at the University of Cambridge, warned that manifesting things like wealth, love, and power has no scientific basis and could lead to unrealistic expectations and disappointment.
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Why 'manifest' was chosen
This year, the word 'manifest' was chosen because its search volume surged, its usage expanded across various media platforms in response to events in 2024, and it highlights how a word's meaning can evolve over time.
Wendalyn Nichols, Publishing Manager at the Cambridge Dictionary, explained that selecting the Cambridge Dictionary Word of the Year involves three main factors: which word saw the highest number of lookups or a sharp spike, which word best reflects the events of the year, and what makes it linguistically fascinating.
Other notable words of 2024
In addition to "manifest," other popular terms that saw an increase in lookups this year included "brat," "demure," "Goldilocks," and "ecotarian," all reflecting global trends and cultural shifts in 2024.
(With inputs from agencies)