1
Visible symptom
An observable sign of a condition.
Example
Leaf discoloration is an early manifestation of the disease.
manifestation
/ˌmænɪfɛˈsteɪʃən/ · man-ih-fes-TAY-shuhnnoun
An observable sign, expression, or form of something underlying.
Use manifestation when the context supports this precise sense: an observable sign, expression, or form of something underlying.
What manifestation Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Expression of an idea
A concrete form taken by an abstract tendency.
Example
The protest was one manifestation of broader public frustration.
3
Instance of a pattern
A particular appearance of a general phenomenon.
Example
This design is a regional manifestation of the wider style.
Use manifestation Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Leaf discoloration is an early manifestation of the disease.
The protest was one manifestation of broader public frustration.
This design is a regional manifestation of the wider style.
Precision Matters
Manifestation overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
manifestation
vs.Means an observable sign, expression, or form of something underlying.
revelation
Means a fact or insight newly revealed and made known.
manifestation
vs.Means an observable sign, expression, or form of something underlying.
indication
Means a sign that points to a condition or conclusion.
manifestation
vs.Means an observable sign, expression, or form of something underlying.
appearance
Means the way something looks or becomes visible.
manifestation
vs.Means an observable sign, expression, or form of something underlying.
cause
Means a factor that produces an effect.
Test manifestation in Context
The decline is an observable expression of an underlying condition.
1
The sudden decline in leaf size is not the cause of the disease but a visible ___ of the plant’s stress.