embody

verb

em·​body im-ˈbä-dē How to pronounce embody (audio)
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 lifeA. M. Schlesinger born 1917
embodier noun

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 Its oversized design not only ensures comfort but adds a trendy, modern touch to your outfit, embodying a perfect blend of style and ease. Poppy Morgan, Rolling Stone, 17 Nov. 2023 The new speaker, a Southern Baptist who embodies evangelical beliefs and priorities, has put his faith at the center of his political career. Robert Jimison, New York Times, 16 Nov. 2023 Thankfully, there are a host of comfort and locomotion options to mitigate this, allowing players to slow things down as they get used to embodying an assassin. WIRED, 16 Nov. 2023 The scenes that include Mohamed, brilliantly embodied in all his braggadocio and humiliation by Salim Daw, and Dodi, his doe-eyed, dopey son, are among the season’s most riveting. Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 15 Nov. 2023 But fans have noted that Loki may align with an expanding theory that the MCU is trying to reform the infinity stones with individual characters, with so far Scarlet Witch embodying the Reality Stone, Spectrum the Space Stone and now Loki, the Time Stone. Paul Tassi, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023 From Milan to Manhattan, Cabana Magazine launched its 20th issue, which is dedicated to embodying the spirit of collaboration. Eliseé Browchuk, Vogue, 9 Nov. 2023 Surfers put themselves through this life cycle over and over again in the water, learning to embody resiliency along the way. Claire Salinda, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2023 Pacifica embodies one of the central disagreements about rising seas. Daniel A. Gross, The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'embody.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of embody was circa 1548

Dictionary Entries Near embody

Cite this Entry

“Embody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embody. Accessed 29 Nov. 2023.

Kids Definition

embody

verb
em·​body im-ˈbäd-ē How to pronounce embody (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on embody

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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