Incarnation
ˌɪnkɑːrˈneɪʃən
Definitions
2 meaningsThe embodiment of a deity, spirit, or abstract quality in human form or other physical form.
ˌɪnkɑːrˈneɪʃən
A person who embodies a deity or spirit.
The film presented the main character as the incarnation of evil.
💡 Simply: Imagine a superhero whose powers are the perfect example of bravery. That superhero is an 'incarnation' of bravery! It's when something intangible, like an idea or a god, takes a physical form.
👶 For kids: When something like a feeling or a god comes down to Earth and has a body, that's an incarnation!
More Examples
The ancient text spoke of the god's many incarnations throughout history.
For many, the statue was seen as the earthly incarnation of the goddess.
How It's Used
"In Christianity, the incarnation refers to Jesus Christ as the embodiment of God in human form."
"The hero was considered an incarnation of justice, fighting for the oppressed."
The act of being incarnated; the act of a divine being, spirit, or quality becoming flesh or taking a physical form, especially the embodiment of a deity in human form.
ˌɪnkɑːrˈneɪʃən
A particular instance of assuming a human form.
The story centers on the incarnation of the goddess to save the world.
💡 Simply: Imagine a baby born...that baby is an incarnation of a human being, the act of becoming alive in a physical body. It can also apply to a spiritual idea, like when an idea, spirit, or a god, takes on human form.
👶 For kids: When something that can't be seen, like a god or an idea, gets a body and is here on Earth, it's an incarnation.
More Examples
The concept of repeated incarnations provides a unique framework for understanding life.
The film depicted the hero's final incarnation, a climactic battle against his nemesis.
How It's Used
"The concept of the incarnation is central to many religious beliefs, especially in Christianity."
"The author explored the theme of repeated incarnations, showing the character's journey through multiple lives."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
reincarnation
The rebirth of a soul in a new body.
"The belief in reincarnation is common in many Eastern religions."
From Late Latin *incarnatio* 'the act of becoming flesh', from Latin *incarnare* 'to make flesh'.
Used in religious and philosophical texts since the late Middle Ages, originally referring to the Christian belief in the embodiment of God in Jesus Christ.
Memory tip
Think of a car's engine being put into the body of a car – the engine is IN the CAR, or IN CARNATION. This is like a spirit or deity taking a physical form.
Word Origin
"flesh"