manifesto

Where does the word "manifesto" come from? It comes from Latin manifestus, passing through Italian before entering English (1640s).

Manifesto’s story begins in Latin: manifestus meant “clear, evident, obvious.” Manus 'hand' combined with -festus, suggesting something 'caught by hand', hence plainly evident. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Italian as manifesto. Used as a noun for proof or clear evidence. It reached English by 1640s as manifesto. Borrowed for a public declaration explaining past actions and future intent. Today, manifesto means a public declaration of policy and aims, especially political.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient manifestus "clear, evident, obvious", manus 'hand' combined with -festus, suggesting something 'caught by hand', hence plainly evident.
2. Stage 2 · Italian · medieval manifesto "proof; a public declaration", used as a noun for proof or clear evidence.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1640s manifesto "a public declaration of intentions", borrowed for a public declaration explaining past actions and future intent.