personify

verb

per·​son·​i·​fy pər-ˈsä-nə-ˌfī 

personified; personifying

transitive verb

1

: to conceive of or represent as a person or as having human qualities or powers

2

: to be the embodiment or personification of : incarnate

a teacher who personified patience

personifier

pər-ˈsä-nə-ˌfī(-ə)r 

noun

Synonyms of personify

• embody
• express
• incorporate

Examples of personify in a Sentence

The ancient Greeks personified the forces of nature as gods and goddesses.

Justice is personified as a woman with her eyes covered.

Recent Examples on the Web

His replacement, Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, personifies another shift in the Iranian system’s center of gravity, away from political management and toward security-bureaucratic coordination. —Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 9 May 2026

The award recognizes an individual in the entertainment world who personifies the industry’s dedication to humanitarian, cultural and charitable causes. —Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 6 May 2026

As Alamo’s right-hand man, Darrell Britt-Gibson portrays Bishop with a lurking, enigmatic energy that personifies danger and can put the fear of God into anyone who dares challenge his boss. —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2026

The town square has charming water features, blooming flowers, rustic benches and smiling residents that personify small-town charm. —Anna Katherine Clemmons, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1728, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for personify

• acidify
• alveoli
• antinomy
• areolae
• demystify
• detoxify
• disqualify
• diversify
• electrify
• exemplify
• fasciculi
• identify

Kids Definition

personify

verb

per·​son·​i·​fy pər-ˈsän-ə-ˌfī 

personified; personifying

1

: to think of or represent as a person

personify the forces of nature

2

: to be the perfect example of

she personified kindness