Overt vs. Manifest — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 28, 2024
"Overt" refers to actions or behaviors that are openly displayed and not hidden, whereas "manifest" pertains to things that are clear and unmistakable, often implying a demonstration or revelation of something.
Difference Between Overt and Manifest
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Overt" specifically describes actions, attitudes, or behaviors that are done or shown publicly or deliberately, with no attempt at concealment. On the other hand, "manifest" involves the clear, obvious display or demonstration of a quality or feeling, often implying that something has been made evident.
Overt behaviors are typically intended to be seen or recognized by others, such as overt criticism or overt displays of affection. Whereas manifest can refer to things that become apparent through evidence or symptoms, like symptoms of a disease or manifest content in dreams.
Overt is primarily used in contexts involving social interactions and communications, highlighting transparency and openness. Conversely, manifest is often used in more formal or technical contexts, such as legal or medical terminology, to denote clear and unmistakable signs or manifestations.
Overt can sometimes carry a negative connotation, suggesting too obvious or unsubtle actions. Meanwhile, manifest is generally neutral, focusing on the aspect of being clearly revealed or shown.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Openly displayed, not hidden.
Clearly shown or revealed.
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Usage Context
Social interactions, communications.
Legal, medical terminology, psychological.
Connotation
Sometimes negative, implying excess.
Neutral, focusing on clarity.
Example in Sentence
"He was overt in his disapproval."
"The symptoms of the illness were manifest."
Common Associations
Transparency, openness.
Revelation, demonstration.
Compare with Definitions
Overt
Done or shown openly or publicly.
His overt enthusiasm was contagious among the team.
Manifest
Become apparent through symptoms or behavior.
The disease first manifested as a mild cough.
Overt
Undisguised and obvious.
Overt racism is easily recognizable and widely condemned.
Manifest
Display or show (a quality or feeling) by one's acts or appearance.
He manifested his approval with a hearty handshake.
Overt
Often associated with deliberate actions.
Overt signs of affection are common in romantic relationships.
Manifest
Often used in formal declarations.
The document served to manifest the company’s commitment to ethical practices.
Overt
Clearly open and observable; not hidden.
She made an overt attempt to keep everyone informed.
Manifest
Evident, plain, or undisputed.
The team’s victory was a manifest result of their hard work and preparation.
Overt
Intended for public display.
The politician’s overt displays of concern were seen as a tactic for gaining votes.
Manifest
Clear or obvious to the eye or mind.
The benefits of the new policy were manifest to all stakeholders.
Overt
Done or shown openly; plainly apparent
In untreated cases, overt psychosis may occur
An overt act of aggression
Manifest
Clear or obvious to the eye or mind
Her manifest charm and proven ability
Overt
Open and observable; not hidden, concealed, or secret
Overt hostility.
Overt intelligence gathering.
Manifest
Show (a quality or feeling) by one's acts or appearance; demonstrate
Lizzy manifested signs of severe depression
Overt
Of, relating to, or being military or intelligence operations sanctioned or mandated by Congress
Overt aid to the rebels.
Manifest
Record in a manifest
Every passenger is manifested at the point of departure
Overt
Open and not concealed or secret.
Manifest
A document listing a ship's contents, cargo, passengers, and crew, for the use of customs officers.
Overt
Open to view; public; apparent; manifest. Opposite of hidden.
Overt and apparent virtues bring forth praise.
Manifest
Clearly apparent to the sight or understanding; obvious.
Overt
Not covert; open; public; manifest; as, an overt act of treason.
No person shall be convicted of treason unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open court.
Manifest
To show or demonstrate plainly; reveal
"[Her] soft appearance belied her ... steadfastness. She manifested no fear and allowed none in her voice" (Philip Roth).
Overt
Open and observable; not secret or hidden;
An overt lie
Overt hostility
Overt intelligence gathering
Manifest
To record in a ship's manifest.
Manifest
To display or present a manifest of (cargo).
Manifest
To become manifest; be revealed
Depression can manifest as irritability.
Manifest
A list of cargo or passengers carried on a ship or plane.
Manifest
An invoice of goods carried on a truck or train.
Manifest
A list of railroad cars according to owner and location.
Manifest
Evident to the senses, especially to the sight; apparent; distinctly perceived.
Manifest
Obvious to the understanding; apparent to the mind; easily apprehensible; plain; not obscure or hidden.
Manifest
Detected; convicted.
Manifest
A list or invoice of the passengers or goods being carried by a commercial vehicle or ship.
Manifest
(computing) A file containing metadata describing other files.
Manifest
(obsolete) A public declaration; an open statement; a manifesto.
Manifest
(transitive) To show plainly; to make to appear distinctly, usually to the mind; to put beyond question or doubt; to display; to exhibit.
His courage manifested itself through the look on his face.
Manifest
(intransitive) To become manifest; to be revealed.
His osteoporosis first manifested as pain in his hips.
Manifest
To will something to exist.
Manifest
(transitive) To exhibit the manifests or prepared invoices of; to declare at the customhouse.
Manifest
Evident to the senses, esp. to the sight; apparent; distinctly perceived; hence, obvious to the understanding; apparent to the mind; easily apprehensible; plain; not obscure or hidden.
Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight.
That which may be known of God is manifest in them.
Thus manifest to sight the god appeared.
Manifest
Detected; convicted; - with of.
Calistho there stood manifest of shame.
So clear, so shining, and so evident,That it will glimmer through a blind man's eye.
Entertained with solitude,Where obvious duty erewhile appeared unsought.
I saw, I saw him manifest in view,His voice, his figure, and his gesture knew.
Manifest
A public declaration; an open statement; a manifesto. See Manifesto.
Manifest
A list or invoice of a ship's cargo, containing a description by marks, numbers, etc., of each package of goods, to be exhibited at the customhouse; as, to inspect the ship's manifest.
Manifest
To show plainly; to make to appear distinctly, - usually to the mind; to put beyond question or doubt; to display; to exhibit.
There is nothing hid which shall not be manifested.
Thy life did manifest thou lovedst me not.
Manifest
To exhibit the manifests or prepared invoices of; to declare at the customhouse.
Manifest
A customs document listing the contents put on a ship or plane
Manifest
Provide evidence for; stand as proof of; show by one's behavior, attitude, or external attributes;
His high fever attested to his illness
The buildings in Rome manifest a high level of architectural sophistication
This decision demonstrates his sense of fairness
Manifest
Record in a ship's manifest;
Each passenger must be manifested
Manifest
Reveal its presence or make an appearance;
The ghost manifests each year on the same day
Manifest
Clearly apparent or obvious to the mind or senses;
The effects of the drought are apparent to anyone who sees the parched fields
Evident hostility
Manifest disapproval
Patent advantages
Made his meaning plain
It is plain that he is no reactionary
In plain view
Common Curiosities
Can "overt" actions be considered negative?
Yes, overt actions can sometimes be considered negative if they are seen as excessively obvious or lacking subtlety.
What does "overt" imply in social contexts?
In social contexts, "overt" implies actions or behaviors that are openly displayed and intended to be noticeable.
What does it mean when something is manifest in a legal document?
When something is manifest in a legal document, it means it is clearly shown or declared within the text of the document.
Is there a positive aspect to being overt?
The positive aspect of being overt includes transparency and honesty in one’s actions and communications.
Why is manifest important in psychological contexts?
In psychological contexts, manifest is important because it helps in identifying clear signs or expressions of thoughts and feelings, as in the manifest content of dreams.
How do actions become manifest?
Actions become manifest when they are clearly revealed or demonstrated through observable effects or behaviors.
How is "manifest" used in medical terms?
In medical terms, "manifest" refers to symptoms or signs that are clear and unmistakable evidence of a condition.
What is the difference between overt and covert behaviors?
Overt behaviors are openly displayed, while covert behaviors are hidden or secretive.
How do the meanings of overt and manifest overlap?
The meanings of overt and manifest overlap in the aspect of clarity and visibility, though overt emphasizes openness and manifest focuses on clear revelation.
Are overt behaviors always intentional?
Yes, overt behaviors are typically intentional as they are meant to be openly observed or known.
How do overt and manifest differ in their application?
Overt is mostly used in contexts of social interaction or communication, implying openness, whereas manifest is used in more formal or clinical settings, implying clear evidence.
What might be considered overt in a political context?
In a political context, overt might refer to actions like publicly announcing policies or openly criticizing opponents.
Can a person's intentions be overt?
Yes, a person's intentions can be overt if they are clearly and openly expressed.
What does "manifest destiny" refer to in historical context?
"Manifest destiny" refers to the 19th-century doctrine or belief that the expansion of the US throughout the American continents was both justified and inevitable.
What are some examples of manifest errors?
Manifest errors are obvious mistakes that are clear to anyone observing them, such as procedural errors in a legal trial.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
