personify

verb

per·​son·​i·​fy pər-ˈsä-nə-ˌfī How to pronounce personify (audio)
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 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.
Everything about Diane was creativity personified. Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 11 Oct. 2025 The Minnesota Wild have more than one of those, personified by the likes of Zach Bogosian and Ryan Hartman, who fit the part, right down to the beard. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 10 Oct. 2025 At the same time, Skattebo, the battering ram personified, pushes and plows through defenders, injecting energy into the Giants and their fans. Charlotte Carroll, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025 The denizens of Pynchon’s worlds often serve to personify and expose a nuanced message about society or humanity. Andrew McGowan, Variety, 26 Sep. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Personify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/personify. Accessed 17 Oct. 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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