verb C2 Proficient Uncommon

embody

ihm-BO-dee

Embody (verb) means to represent an idea or quality in a physical or concrete way; to personify it. Example: “The statue embodies the spirit of resistance.”

verb

To represent an idea or quality in a physical or concrete way; to personify it.

"The statue embodies the spirit of resistance."

"Her leadership style embodies the company's core values."

To include or incorporate something as part of a unified whole, such as a set of principles into a document.

"The new constitution embodies the reforms agreed at the summit."

How to use embody

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo represent or contain an idea in solid, real form — as if giving it a body.

Common pairings

embody a principle embody the spirit of

Word forms

embodied past tense, embodies singular

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Etymology

Formed from em- (a variant of "in") plus body — literally "to put into a body."

Synonyms

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actualize concretize effigiate materialize realize objectify reify thingify embrace encompass enfold integrate

Related words

know understand clear include choose accept appear realize

Rhymes for embody

body Cody Jody woody brody goody moody doody broody nobody melody bloody

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Frequently asked questions

What does “embody” mean?

The word “embody” means to represent an idea or quality in a physical or concrete way; to personify it. In plain terms, to represent or contain an idea in solid, real form — as if giving it a body.

How do you pronounce “embody”?

“Embody” is pronounced ihm-BO-dee (/ɪmˈbɑdi/ in IPA).

How do you use “embody” in a sentence?

Here is “embody” used in a sentence: “The statue embodies the spirit of resistance.”

What is another word for “embody”?

Words with a similar meaning to “embody” include actualize, concretize, effigiate, materialize, realize and objectify.

What part of speech is “embody”?

“Embody” is a verb.

Is “embody” a common word?

“Embody” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.

How many meanings does “embody” have?

“Embody” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to represent an idea or quality in a physical or concrete way; to personify it.

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