personify

1 of 2

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

personifier

2 of 2

noun

per·​son·​i·​fi·​er pə(r)ˈsänəˌfī(ə)r 

-īə

plural -s

: one that personifies

Synonyms of personify

Verb

• embody
• express
• incorporate

Examples of personify in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

The rift between the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos, personified by threats of NFL investigations and counter-threats of a lawsuit by coaches Sean Payton and Mike Macdonald, has been put to bed by an apology. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026

The abject terror of reproduction was personified by Lamashtu, demoness of the night, drinker of blood, eater of flesh, slayer of children, untimely opener of wombs, ravager of women. — Eleanor Johnson, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026

Even though Miami’s inside linebacker spot had been decimated by injuries, and the overall roster lacks playmakers (which Dodson was), and experience (43 NFL starts), that decision personifies what this season will be about. — Omar Kelly august 30, Miami Herald, 30 Aug. 2026

These are the burgers, soups, sandwiches, pastries and more that best personify the region’s delicious, diverse dining scene. — Warren Rojas, Washington Post, 19 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

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