embody

verb

em·​body im-ˈbä-dē 

embodied; embodying

transitive verb

1

: to give a body to (a spirit) : incarnate

2

a

: to deprive of spirituality

b

: to make concrete and perceptible

3

: to cause to become a body or part of a body : incorporate

4

: to represent in human or animal form : personify

men who greatly embodied the idealism of American life

—A. M. Schlesinger born 1917

embodier noun

Synonyms

• absorb
• assimilate
• co-opt
• incorporate
• integrate

Examples of embody in a Sentence

The legislature embodied a revenue provision in the new law.

they must embody their ideas in substantial institutions if they are to survive

Recent Examples on the Web

How does an actor authentically and respectfully embody a legendary real-life singer on screen without it being seen as tribute act? —Alex Ritman, Variety, 12 Apr. 2024

Those themes are embodied by 331 artists, most of whom will be unfamiliar to even seasoned art snobs. —Zachary Small, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2024

The early stages of the Revolution have been disastrous for the Americans, and while some of the French are captivated by the spirit of liberty and freedom embodied by the fledgling nation, nobody in a position of power can so much as acknowledge Franklin’s existence, much less negotiate with him. —Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Apr. 2024

Riley Scott, junior, Florence High School Riley Scott embodies the essence of dedication and leadership. —Marcus Reichley, The Arizona Republic, 8 Apr. 2024

This color—call it gray-green, sage, or pale green—embodies the essence of renewal and tranquility, what the season is all about. —Christianna Silva, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Apr. 2024

Black excellence, pot princess of Prince George’s edition Cannabis wasn’t always in the plan for Wiseman, who in so many ways embodies Prince George’s storied, Black upper middle-class dreams. —Lateshia Beachum, Washington Post, 7 Apr. 2024

Kid, meanwhile, perhaps inadvertently, embodies it in both belief and action. —Siddhant Adlakha, TIME, 5 Apr. 2024

These women bring their life experiences, inside and out of fashion, to the runways, embodying the clothes in a different way. —Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 5 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

embody

verb

em·​body im-ˈbäd-ē 

embodied; embodying

1

: to give definite form to

embodied her ideas in suitable words

2

: to cause to become a body or a part of a body or system

the Constitution embodies the fundamental laws of the United States

3

: to represent in visible form

a leader who embodies courage

embodier noun