reify

[ ree-uh-fahy, rey- ]

verb (used with object)

, re·i·fied, re·i·fy·ing.

1. to convert into or regard as a concrete thing:

   to reify a concept.

reify

/ ˈriːɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. tr to consider or make (an abstract idea or concept) real or concrete

Derived Forms

• ˈreiˌfier, noun
• ˌreifiˈcation, noun
• ˌreifiˈcatory, adjective

Other Words From

• re·i·fi·ca·tion [ree-, uh, -f, uh, -, key, -sh, uh, n, rey, -], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of reify¹

First recorded in 1850–55; from Latin rē(s) “thing” + -ify

Word History and Origins

Origin of reify¹

C19: from Latin rēs thing; compare deify

Example Sentences

Recent Supreme Court rulings have laid the groundwork for this strategy by reifying the right-wing belief that "science" is whatever a Federalist Society-selected judge says it is.

From Salon

We see this push for closure reified across American culture.

From Los Angeles Times

The brain latches on or compares itself to others, starting a negative cycle of thinking that can reify itself.

From Seattle Times

Scholars have shown us the iteration of the KKK in the 1910s and 1920s was a thoroughly Christian movement to reify the American social order in the wake of Reconstruction.

From Salon

Pitsilionis was born in Greece; he credits his commitment to hospitality in part to his homeland’s culture, reified working in his family’s restaurant after they moved to Kenai, Alaska.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• demonstrate
• epitomize
• exemplify
• exhibit
• express
• illustrate
• incorporate
• manifest
• mirror
• personify
• realize
• stand for
• symbolize
• typify