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personify

verb

per·​son·​i·​fy pər-ˈsä-nə-ˌfī How to pronounce personify (audio)
personified; personifying
Synonyms of personifynext

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 noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
White Wine Grape Glossary Grenache Blanc An ample, full-bodied white that along with Roussanne personifies the power and lusciousness of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and other Rhône white blends, but also the Spanish white Rioja. Anna Lee C. Iijima, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Nov. 2025 The Centrix Diamonds personifies extravagance and elegance. Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 14 Nov. 2025 With Zosia, Wydra had quite the tall order in playing a character who personifies practically everyone on the planet. Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 10 Nov. 2025 No one personifies this romantic notion quite like Kim Planert. Martin Fritz Huber, Outside, 6 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for personify

Word History

First Known Use

1728, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of personify was in 1728

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Cite this Entry

“Personify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/personify. Accessed 7 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

personify

verb
per·​son·​i·​fy pər-ˈsän-ə-ˌfī How to pronounce personify (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on personify

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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