manifestly
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /mˈænɪfˌɛstli/
US
- /ˈmænəfɛstli/
Description
- clearly
- obviously
- plainly
- patently
- unmistakably
If something is manifestly true, it is so clear that no one could reasonably deny it. It is not just noticeable; it is plain for everyone to see. You might say that a plan is manifestly unfair when the rules favor one side from the start, or that a child's joy is manifestly visible the moment they open a gift. The word adds force to an idea, stressing that the truth is open and obvious.
The word "manifestly" describes something that is plainly and clearly evident. It points to a fact, quality, or situation that is so obvious that it seems beyond serious doubt. It often does more than simply mean "clearly." It adds force, suggesting that the truth is right out in the open.
The word comes from the Latin manifestus, and its history carries the idea of something made plain or easy to notice. In modern English, it is usually used for judgments, facts, behavior, or results rather than for physical objects alone. A court might say an error was manifestly unjust. A writer might say a leader was manifestly wrong after a long series of failed decisions. In each case, the point is that the evidence is not hidden or hard to understand.
You will usually meet "manifestly" in formal writing, legal language, careful argument, and serious commentary. It often appears when someone wants to underline that a conclusion should be accepted because the signs are so strong. For example, a lawyer might argue that the evidence was manifestly insufficient to convict, or a reviewer might write that one player's skill was manifestly better than the rest. It is less common in everyday talk because it sounds formal and emphatic. People usually choose it when they want to stress that something is openly, plainly, and unmistakably true.
Examples
- 1
Formal judgment
The claim is manifestly false.
Usage
manifestly is formal; clearly is more common in everyday speech
- 2
Fairness
It was manifestly unfair to blame one intern for the whole mistake.
- 3
Planning
The plan was manifestly inadequate for a city of that size.
- 4
Work readiness
He was manifestly not ready to return to work.
- 5
Safety failure
The company had manifestly failed to check the safety reports.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- manifestlyadverb