manifest destiny

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Word: Manifest Destiny

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: "Manifest Destiny" is a historical term that refers to the belief that the expansion of the United States across North America was both justified and inevitable, as if it was meant to happen by a higher power, like God. This idea was popular in the 19th century and was used to support the idea that Americans had a right to spread their culture and democracy across the continent.

Usage Instructions:

• "Manifest Destiny" is often used in discussions about U.S. history, particularly about western expansion and its effects on Native American populations and other nations.
• It is typically capitalized because it refers to a specific historical idea or concept.

Example:

• "In the 1800s, many Americans believed in Manifest Destiny, thinking it was their duty to settle the West and spread their way of life."

Advanced Usage:

• In modern discussions, "Manifest Destiny" can be used metaphorically to describe any belief in a destined or justified expansion or dominance of a country, culture, or ideology over others.

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants of "manifest destiny," but you may encounter phrases like "manifest destiny ideology" or "manifest destiny theory."

Different Meanings:

• While "manifest destiny" specifically refers to the historical idea about U.S. expansion, the words "manifest" and "destiny" can be used separately.
  • "Manifest" means to show or demonstrate something clearly.
  • "Destiny" refers to the events that will necessarily happen to a particular person or thing in the future.

Synonyms:

• Imperialism (in a broad sense)
• Expansionism
• Colonialism (in some contexts)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "manifest destiny," but you might hear phrases like "go west" in discussions about American expansion, which implies seeking new opportunities or territories.

Academic

Noun

1. a policy of imperialism rationalized as inevitable (as if granted by God)