adjective
incarnate
ihn-KAH-nayt
Incarnate (adjective) means Given a bodily, often human, form; embodied in flesh. Example: “In the story, the villain is evil incarnate.”
adjective
1
Given a bodily, often human, form; embodied in flesh.
"In the story, the villain is evil incarnate."
"Christians speak of Christ as God incarnate."
verb
1
To give a bodily or concrete form to an idea, quality, or spirit.
"The novel incarnates the anxieties of an entire generation."
How to use incarnate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGiven a physical or bodily form — often used for "the living embodiment of" something.
Common pairings
evil incarnate
the devil incarnate
incarnate as a human
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- incarnates
- Past tense
- incarnated
Fill the gap
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In the story, the villain is evil _____.
Etymology
From Ecclesiastical Latin incarnatus, "made flesh," from in- + caro/carn- ("flesh") — the same root as "carnal" and "carnivore."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for incarnate
See all rhymes for incarnate →Frequently asked questions
What does “incarnate” mean?
The word “incarnate” means given a bodily, often human, form; embodied in flesh. In plain terms, given a physical or bodily form — often used for "the living embodiment of" something.
How do you pronounce “incarnate”?
“Incarnate” is pronounced ihn-KAH-nayt (/ɪnˈkɑːɹ.nɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “incarnate” in a sentence?
Here is “incarnate” used in a sentence: “In the story, the villain is evil incarnate.”
What part of speech is “incarnate”?
Depending on how it is used, “incarnate” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “incarnate” come from?
The word “incarnate” comes from Latin. From Ecclesiastical Latin incarnatus, "made flesh," from in- + caro/carn- ("flesh") — the same root as "carnal" and "carnivore.".
How many meanings does “incarnate” have?
“Incarnate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: given a bodily, often human, form; embodied in flesh.
