manifestere

Manifestere is a verb used in Danish and Norwegian to denote making something evident or publicly displaying support, opposition, or a position. It can refer to both outward demonstrations and inner displays, such as revealing feelings, intentions, or characteristics. In political contexts, manifestere is commonly used to describe public demonstrations or protests, for example in phrases like “å manifestere mot en beslutning.” In non-political usage it can mean to reveal or express something clearly, as in “manifestere følelser” or “manifestere vilje.”

Etymology and usage: The verb derives from the French manifester, from Latin manifestus meaning clear or evident. It entered Danish and Norwegian through historical linguistic contact and remains common in formal and semi-formal registers. The related noun forms include manifestasjon (demonstration, public display) and, in specialized contexts, a manifest as a declaration or listing.

Usage notes: In modern Norwegian, some speakers may prefer demonstrere for protests, with manifestere carrying nuance of both showing and declaring a stance. The exact meaning can vary by region and formality, but the core sense centers on making something visible or evident, whether publicly in a demonstration or personally in one’s expressed intention.