manifestation

noun

man·​i·​fes·​ta·​tion ˌma-nə-fə-ˈstā-shən 

-ˌfe-ˈstā-

1

a

: the act, process, or an instance of manifesting

demanded some manifestation of repentance

b(1)

: something that manifests or is manifest

(2)

: a perceptible, outward, or visible expression

external manifestations of gender

c

: one of the forms in which an individual is manifested

Hate in all its manifestations is wrong.

d

: an occult phenomenon

specifically : materialization

2

: a public demonstration of power and purpose

meetings, parades, and other such manifestations

—H. M. Parshley

Synonyms

• abstract
• avatar
• embodier
• embodiment
• epitome
• externalization
• genius
• icon
• ikon
• image
• incarnation
• incorporation
• instantiation
• objectification
• personification
• personifier

Examples of manifestation in a Sentence

a portrait of a mother and child that is regarded as the very manifestation of maternal love

Recent Examples on the Web

Competing for a Shrinking Student Pool The most visible manifestation of competitive rivalry in higher education is the intensifying battle for students. —Bryan Penprase, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024

Rather than treating Trump as a malign interloper to a virtuous establishment, Democrats should oppose him as the manifestation of a corrupt, self-enriching, oligarchic global elite. —Ben Rhodes, Foreign Affairs, 13 Dec. 2024

According to Catholic belief, the first manifestation of the Virgin of Guadalupe in Mexico dates back to the times of the Viceroyalty of New Spain, specifically during the year 1531. —Paula Soria, The Arizona Republic, 12 Dec. 2024

But as the unfolding pandemic soiled their plans, a new manifestation emerged: a home by George Washington Smith (an esteemed architect known for Spanish Colonial Revival residences in the region) with an intact floor plan in Montecito. —Sydney Gore, Architectural Digest, 6 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

manifestation

noun

man·​i·​fes·​ta·​tion ˌman-ə-fə-ˈstā-shən 

-ˌfes-ˈtā-

1

a

: the act or an instance of manifesting : expression

b

: something that manifests : evidence

2

: a public demonstration of power and purpose

Medical Definition

manifestation

noun

man·​i·​fes·​ta·​tion ˌman-ə-fə-ˈstā-shən, -ˌfes- 

: a perceptible, outward, or visible expression (as of a disease or abnormal condition)

the manifestations of shock