Embody — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /im-ˈbä-dē/ em·body

Meaning & Definition of Embody

Embody (verb)

  1. to give a body to (a spirit), incarnate
  2. to deprive of spirituality
  3. to make concrete and perceptible

Embody (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to make a part of a body or system

    "they must embody their ideas in substantial institutions if they are to survive"

    similar: absorb, assimilate, co-opt, incorporate, integrate
    related: amalgamate, blend, combine, commingle, fuse, intermingle, merge, mingle, acculturate, accustom, condition, enculturate, habituate, naturalize

  2. to represent in visible form

    "George Washington embodied so many of the virtues that Americans hold dear"

    similar: body, epitomize, express, externalize, incarnate, incorporate, instantiate, manifest, materialize, personalize, personify, substantiate
    related: actualize, concretize, realize, exemplify, illustrate, image, objectify, symbolize, typify

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Embody

The most common words with a similar meaning to Embody:

absorb, assimilate, co-opt, incorporate, integrate, body, epitomize, express, externalize, incarnate, instantiate, manifest, materialize, personalize, personify, substantiate

Related Words for Embody

amalgamate, blend, combine, commingle, fuse, intermingle, merge, mingle, acculturate, accustom, condition, enculturate, habituate, naturalize, actualize, concretize, realize, exemplify, illustrate, image, objectify, symbolize, typify

Word Forms of Embody

Inflections: embodied, embodying

Derived words: embodier (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Embody

First known use: 1548

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Embody

Frequently Asked Questions about Embody

What does "Embody" mean?

"Embody" means to give a body to (a spirit), incarnate. As a verb, it is defined as: to give a body to (a spirit), incarnate. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Embody"?

Other words for "Embody" include absorb, assimilate, co-opt, incorporate, integrate, body, epitomize and express. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Embody" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Embody"?

There are 39 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Embody". Common alternatives include absorb, assimilate, co-opt, incorporate, integrate, body, epitomize, express, externalize and incarnate.

How do you use "Embody" in a sentence?

Examples of "Embody" in a sentence: "they must embody their ideas in substantial institutions if they are to survive"; "George Washington embodied so many of the virtues that Americans hold dear".

Is "Embody" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Embody" is a verb.

Is "Embody" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Embody" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Embody"?

"Embody" is pronounced /im-ˈbä-dē/ and divided into syllables as em·body.

What is the origin of the word "Embody"?

First known use: 1548.