Pronunciation: [wɜː mˈanɪfˌɛst] (IPA) 
The phrase "were manifest" is spelled phonetically as /wər ˈmænɪfest/. The first word, "were," is pronounced with a short "u" sound followed by an "r" sound and a schwa sound. The second word, "manifest," is pronounced with a short "a" sound followed by an "n" sound, a long "e" sound, and a stressed "f" sound. Together, the phrase means "were made clear or obvious," and it is often used in formal or academic writing.
The term "were manifest" refers to a state or condition where something becomes noticeable, evident, or visible to others. It indicates that certain qualities, attributes, or features are clearly displayed or made apparent to the observer. It is often used to describe the explicit demonstration or revelation of something that was previously concealed, obscure, or hidden.
The word "were" denotes a past tense form of the verb "to be," indicating that the manifestation occurred at a specific time in the past. The term "manifest" refers to the act of making something evident or clear, bringing it from an unseen or concealed state into a visible or understandable state. When combined, "were manifest" suggests that something or someone underwent a transformation, resulting in their true nature, capabilities, or intentions being revealed.
This phrase is frequently employed in various contexts such as psychology, spirituality, philosophy, and literature. For example, in spirituality, it may refer to the revelation of one's true self or purpose in life. In psychology, it can describe the realization or acknowledgment of suppressed emotions or unconscious thoughts. Furthermore, in literature, it is employed to portray the development of a character, wherein their personality traits or motivations emerge over the course of a narrative.
In summary, "were manifest" describes the situation where something was brought to light, unveiled, or made obvious, indicating a clear understanding or recognition of its existence or essence.
The term "were manifest" is not a single word, but a phrase consisting of two words: "were" and "manifest". So, let's look at the etymology of each of these words separately:
1. "Were":
The word "were" is the second-person and plural form of the past tense of the verb "to be". The verb "to be" has Old English origins, and its conjugated forms have evolved over time. In Old English, "were" was "wǣron". It is related to similar forms in other Germanic languages such as Dutch "waren" and German "waren".
2. "Manifest":
The word "manifest" comes from the Latin word "manifestus", meaning "clearly visible" or "evident". The Latin term itself is derived from the verb "manifestare", which means "to make clear or obvious".
