personify

[ per-son-uh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, per·son·i·fied, per·son·i·fy·ing.

1. to attribute human nature or character to (an inanimate object or an abstraction), as in speech or writing.
2. to represent (a thing or abstraction) in the form of a person, as in art.
3. to embody (a quality, idea, etc.) in a real person or a concrete thing.
4. to be an embodiment or incarnation of; typify:

   He personifies the ruthless ambition of some executives.

   The vicar's wife was grace and beauty personified.

   Synonyms: incorporate, exemplify, represent

5. to personate.

personify

/ pɜːˈsɒnɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to attribute human characteristics to (a thing or abstraction)
2. to represent (an abstract quality) in human or animal form
3. (of a person or thing) to represent (an abstract quality), as in art or literature
4. to be the embodiment of

Derived Forms

• perˈsoniˌfiable, adjective
• perˈsoniˌfier, noun

Other Words From

• per·son·i·fi·a·ble [per-son-, uh, -, fahy, -, uh, -b, uh, l], adjective
• per·son·i·fi·ant adjective
• per·son·i·fi·er noun
• un·per·son·i·fy·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of personify¹

First recorded in 1720–30; person + -ify; compare French personnifier, Italian personificare

Example Sentences

He was a bridgehead to Labour's traditional working class roots who saw the value in, and indeed personified, championing the aspirations of the less well off.

From BBC

McConville, a widow ripped from her home as her 10 crying children helplessly watch, personifies what happens when the battlefield extends into civilian neighborhoods.

From Salon

No nation personifies that process more than the world champions.

From BBC

Asians were specifically targeted because they personified difference, she explained.

From BBC

They personify intangibles that sabermetrics can never quantify and that fans yearn to encounter: Hope.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• act out
• embody
• epitomize
• exemplify
• illustrate
• incarnate
• manifest
• symbolize
• typify