Words / C1

im-BOD-ee/ɪmˈbɒdi/

To embody is to be a living or concrete example of an idea or quality: embody fairness, a building that embodies the brief. Represent is broader; personify is a close cousin for people. Embodiment is the noun (the embodiment of patience). In speech, she is a walking example of… is the paraphrase. Do not use embody for simply including items (that is include or encompass).

Meaning

To be a living example of an idea or quality.

Examples

• “The coach embodies patience and discipline.”
• “The coach embodies the calm he asks of the team.”
• “Those two pages embody the argument; the rest is illustration.”

Good to know

embody a quality/idea. Noun: embodiment. Close: personify. Everyday: be a living example of.

Near in meaning

personify

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