manifesto
man-ih-FES-toh
/ˌmæn.ɪˈfes.təʊ/
A public declaration of policy and aims, especially one issued before an election by a political party or candidate, or by an artistic movement.
In art, it is a passionate, often aggressive document that explains why a new style is necessary and why the old style is dead.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'manifestus,' meaning 'caught in the act' or 'palpable.' It originally meant something so obvious you could touch it with your hand (manus).
Word relationships
- proclamation: Proclamation is more formal and often issued by a government; manifesto is more ideological.
- platform: Platform is specifically used for political parties' sets of beliefs.
Commonly confused with
- credo: A credo is a personal statement of belief; a manifesto is a public call to action.
Word family
- manifest (verb): To display or show by one's acts or appearance.
Collocations
- political manifesto
- artistic manifesto
- issue a manifesto
Example sentences
- "The Surrealist Manifesto, written by André Breton, defined the movement's goal as resolving the contradictory conditions of dream and reality." Referring to a famous artistic document.
- "A manifesto is a communication from the future; it is the scream of the new world being born." A real citation from a famous manifesto.
Memory hook
A manifesto makes your intentions 'manifest' (clear) to the 'fest' (the public festival/world). Make it clear.
When not to use
Don't use for a simple 'to-do list' or a private plan; it must be public and declarative.
Fun facts
- The 'Futurist Manifesto' was published on the front page of the French newspaper Le Figaro, causing an immediate international scandal.
Related words
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