manifesto
gb/mˌænɪfˈɛstoʊ/ us/mˌænɪfˈɛstoʊ/
B2
English
~ 8600
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
entity
1
formal public statement of aims
A written document that clearly says what a person or group believes and what they plan to do, often in politics.
Usage pattern:
[someone] publishes a manifesto on [topic]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "manifesto" with "demonstration" or "protest" and think it means a public march. A manifesto is a written (or published) statement of ideas and plans, not the physical act of protesting. Learners may also confuse it with "manifestation", which usually means a sign or result of something, not a policy document.
Synonyms
policy statement (A neutral term for an official document describing policies; slightly more general and bureaucratic than "manifesto".)
|
platform (Common in politics, especially in American English, for a party’s set of policies; less strongly associated with a single document than "manifesto".)
Antonyms
secret agenda (Opposite because a manifesto is open and public, while a secret agenda hides real intentions.)
Collocations
party manifesto
|political manifesto
|election manifesto
|publish a manifesto
|issue a manifesto
|radical manifesto
Themes
politics
|society
|media
|writing
|communication
Examples
- The party released its election manifesto promising major tax cuts and healthcare reform.
- In their manifesto, the activists called for urgent action on climate change.
- The government’s manifesto pledged to reduce class sizes in all primary schools.
- He spent months drafting a manifesto that outlined his vision for a more equal society.
- Voters complained that the manifesto was full of vague promises and feel‑good slogans.
Learner examples
- The party wrote a long manifesto before the election.
- Many people read the manifesto online before they voted.
- The group’s manifesto asks for better working conditions.
- Her manifesto explains what changes she wants in education.
Noun
C1
entity
2
embodiment of clear beliefs and aims
Something, such as a book, film, or speech, that very clearly shows what a person or group believes and wants, like a strong statement of their ideas.
Usage pattern:
[something] is a manifesto for [cause]
Common mistake:
Learners often think a "manifesto" must always be a formal written document. In modern English, it is also used for works like albums, movies, or speeches that strongly show a set of beliefs or goals, for example "The film is a manifesto for peace."
Synonyms
creed (A set of guiding beliefs or principles; more religious or philosophical in tone and not limited to public expression like a "manifesto".)
|
mission statement (Common in business and organizations; similar idea of core goals and values but more corporate and less passionate than a "manifesto".)
Antonyms
compromise (A manifesto suggests clear, strong, often uncompromising beliefs, while a compromise is based on making concessions and softening positions.)
Collocations
personal manifesto
|artistic manifesto
|feminist manifesto
|manifesto for change
|manifesto for equality
Themes
art
|culture
|opinions
|society
|communication
|politics
Examples
- Her latest album is a manifesto for body positivity and self‑acceptance.
- The film feels like a visual manifesto against war and authoritarianism.
- His speech at the conference was less a report and more a manifesto for open science.
- The project became a quiet manifesto for slow, sustainable living in the city.
Learner examples
- The book is a strong manifesto for human rights.
- Her speech was a manifesto for free education for all.
- This movie is a kind of manifesto against violence on TV.
Grammar
Dictionary form
manifesto
IPA
GB/mˌænɪfˈɛstoʊ/
US/mˌænɪfˈɛstoʊ/
Syllables & stress
mani - festo (2 syllables)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: manifesto
- Plural: manifestos
Word family
Forms
manifestos
noun
Core family
manifest
verb B2
Related words
manifestation
noun B2
manifestly
adverb C1
Expressions
artistic manifesto
1/ɑɹtˈɪstɪk mˌænɪfˈɛstoʊ/
fixed phrase
statement of artistic ideas and goals
A written text where an artist or art group clearly explains their ideas, style, and goals in art.
Examples
- The Futurists published an artistic manifesto rejecting traditional painting and celebrating modern machines.
- Her essay is an artistic manifesto that calls for more honest stories about working‑class life.
- Many young designers share an artistic manifesto on their websites.
party manifesto
1/pˈɑɹti mˌænɪfˈɛstoʊ/
fixed phrase
political party policy document
The official document where a political party writes what it believes and what it will do if it gets power, usually before an election.
Examples
- Voters are comparing each party manifesto to decide who to support.
- The party manifesto promises higher wages and lower taxes for working families.
- Environmental groups criticized the party manifesto for its weak climate policies.