embody

[ em-bod-ee ]

verb (used with object)

, em·bod·ied, em·bod·y·ing.

1. to give a concrete form to; express, personify, or exemplify in concrete form:

   to embody an idea in an allegorical painting.

2. to provide with a body incarnate; make corporeal:

   to embody a spirit.

3. to collect into or include in a body; organize; incorporate.
4. to embrace or comprise.

embody

/ ɪmˈbɒdɪ /

verb

1. to give a tangible, bodily, or concrete form to (an abstract concept)
2. to be an example of or express (an idea, principle, etc), esp in action

   his gentleness embodies a Christian ideal

3. often foll by in to collect or unite in a comprehensive whole, system, etc; comprise; include

   all the different essays were embodied in one long article

4. to invest (a spiritual entity) with a body or with bodily form; render incarnate

Derived Forms

• emˈbodiment, noun

Other Words From

• em·bod·i·er noun
• pre·em·bod·y verb (used with object) preembodied preembodying
• re·em·bod·y verb (used with object) reembodied reembodying

Word History and Origins

Origin of embody¹

First recorded in 1540–50; em- ¹ + body

Example Sentences

“Can you end up with no human rights? Yes. Will it happen to you? Most likely not. Which is a good thing, but has Donald Trump quoted Hitler? Yes. Does he embody some of Hitler’s ideas? Yes,” he told his students in the video.

From Los Angeles Times

To embody Sister Agnes, Rossellini listened intently, even when she was in the background of a scene.

From Los Angeles Times

“Can you end up with no human rights? Yes. Will it happen to you? Most likely not. Which is a good thing, but has Donald Trump quoted Hitler? Yes. Does he embody some of Hitler’s ideas? Yes.”

From Los Angeles Times

When New York City was rattled by an earthquake earlier this year, Hernández threw on a skintight jumpsuit and a cap with NYC on it to embody the trembler.

From Salon

Studio Tour, said the firm is showcasing properties that embody “the warmth, charm and community spirit that define the season.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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