Cambridge Dictionary Names 2024 Word of the Year

The word 'manifest' has been named the Cambridge Dictionary's word of the year for 2024, largely due to its surge in popularity influenced by celebrities like Dua Lipa and Simone Biles on social media platforms such as TikTok. The term, which has evolved to mean 'to imagine achieving something you want,' was looked up almost 130,000 times this year, making it one of the most viewed words. Wendalyn Nichols, the publishing manager, noted that its increased visibility across various media reflects changing language usage over time. However, academics like Dr. Sander van der Linden criticize the concept of manifesting as 'magical thinking,' lacking scientific validity and potentially fostering unrealistic expectations. The popularity of manifesting strategies, such as the 3-6-9 method, has been linked to obsessive behaviors without proven benefits. This trend raises concerns about the implications of equating positive thinking with actual success.