Embodiment

[ɪmˈbɒdi.mənt]

nounmedium📊CommonGeneral
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A tangible or concrete representation of an abstract concept or idea.

[ɪmˈbɒdi.mənt]

nounneutralmedium
General

A tangible or visible form of an idea, concept, or quality.

The Mona Lisa is often seen as the embodiment of artistic perfection.

💡 Simply: It's like when something is the perfect example of something else. Like, a superhero is the embodiment of bravery and justice!

👶 For kids: When something is the shape or form of an idea.

More Examples

2

Her actions were the embodiment of her principles.

3

The building's design is an embodiment of modern architecture.

How It's Used

Philosophy

"The statue is an embodiment of classical ideals."

Art

"The artist saw the painting as an embodiment of his emotions."

Business

"The new CEO is considered to be the embodiment of the company's renewed vision."

2

A person, animal, or object that represents a quality or idea.

[ɪmˈbɒdi.mənt]

nounneutralmedium
General

A person, being, or object that exemplifies a quality or concept.

Gandhi was an embodiment of nonviolent resistance.

💡 Simply: Imagine someone who really, REALLY shows a certain quality. That person is an embodiment of that quality. Like, a super kind teacher is an embodiment of kindness.

👶 For kids: Someone or something that is the best example of something.

More Examples

2

The lion is an embodiment of courage and strength.

3

The novel's villain was an embodiment of greed.

How It's Used

Literature

"The character was the embodiment of evil in the novel."

Politics

"The leader became an embodiment of national pride."

Tip:Remember embodiment as someone or something *in* a body, representing an idea.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

living embodiment

A person who perfectly embodies or represents a particular quality or idea.

"She's a living embodiment of kindness and compassion."

From Middle English 'embodien' meaning to give a body or form to, from Old English 'inbōdian' meaning to put into a body, from 'in' (in) + 'bōd' (body).

Used in religious and philosophical contexts to describe the incarnation of divine beings or abstract concepts.

Memory tip

Think of a body (embodiment) and how it physically represents who you are.

Word Origin

LanguageOld English
Original meaning

"to put into a body, to give a form"

Base: embody
the embodiment ofa living embodiment ofperfect embodiment

Common misspellings

imbodymentembodiement

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written