incarnation

noun

in·​car·​na·​tion ˌin-(ˌ)kär-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the act of incarnating : the state of being incarnate

2

: a particular physical form or state : version

in another incarnation he might be a first vice-president

—Walter Teller

TV and movie incarnations of the story

3

a

: a concrete or actual form of a quality or concept

especially : a person showing a trait or typical character to a marked degree

she is the incarnation of goodness

b(1)

capitalized : the union of divinity with humanity in Jesus Christ

(2)

: the embodiment of a deity or spirit in some earthly form

incarnational

ˌin-(ˌ)kär-ˈnā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• abstract
• avatar
• embodier
• embodiment
• epitome
• externalization
• genius
• icon
• ikon
• image
• incorporation
• instantiation
• manifestation
• objectification
• personification
• personifier

Examples of incarnation in a Sentence

the doctrine of the Incarnation

she is the very incarnation of grace and tactfulness

Recent Examples on the Web

Given that Claire Foy and Olivia Colman, who each played the Queen in her two younger incarnations, took home the gold for The Crown, a win for the equally worthy Imedla Staunton is not out of the question. —Marc Berman, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024

Indeed, the popularity of Zorro is evident in the countless incarnations that have graced the big and small screens for more than a century. —Ed Meza, Variety, 6 Sep. 2024

The two closely collaborated in the shaping of Berniece, who, in this current incarnation, was inspired by the life and works of celebrated author Zora Neale Hurston. —Lola Ogunnaike, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Sep. 2024

Kay’s credits including Apple TV+’s plane drama Hijack, Netflix’s French crime caper Lupin and Criminal, an unusual anthology drama that spawned various European incarnations all set in the same police interrogation room. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3b(2)

Kids Definition

incarnation

noun

in·​car·​na·​tion ˌin-ˌkär-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the appearance of a god or spirit in an earthly form

2

capitalized : the union of divine and human natures in Jesus Christ

3

: an actual instance of a quality or concept

she was the incarnation of goodness