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
1
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."
2
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- embodies
- Past tense
- embodied
Etymology
Formed from em- (a variant of "in") plus body — literally "to put into a body."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for embody
See all rhymes for embody →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.
