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

He embodies that seething, alienated rage of people who feel like they’ve been left to rot in the dark corners of the country, unseen, unheard and hopeless for far too long.

From Salon

“Am I the bad one?” yelps the singer and percussionist Ollie Judge, embodying a morally dubious character who is only just beginning to question the customs of his culture.

From New York Times

Caitlyn embodies this point of view both because of her social status and because of her immense personal loss during Jinx’s attack.

From Salon

Betty represents tangible reality while Norma embodies seductive illusion in a musical that dramatizes the unfair fight between them for Joe’s jaded soul.

From Los Angeles Times

He embodies the modern take on the role, engaging viewers not only with analysis but also fun-loving camaraderie shared between analysts and presenter.

From BBC

Related Words

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