embody

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ɪmˈbɒdi/

KK: /ɪmˈbɑdi/

transitive verb

Definition

To give a physical form or representation to something, often an idea or quality.

Example

The statue embodies the spirit of freedom and hope.

Tense Forms

Past: embodied

Past Participle: embodied

Conversation

I feel like this painting really embodies the spirit of our town.

Absolutely! It captures the essence perfectly.

Yeah, it's like the artist took all our experiences and embodied them into one piece.

Exactly, that's why it resonates with so many people.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

incarnate

represent

manifest

Antonyms

disembody

abstract

dissociate

Root Explanation

Embody → It is formed from "em-" (a variant of "en-", meaning to cause to be in) and "body" (from Old French *corps*, meaning physical form). The word "embody" means to cause something to be in physical form or to represent something in a tangible way.

Memory Tip

Think of 'causing to be in' ('em-') a 'physical form' ('body') — that's why embody means to represent something in a tangible way.

Visually Confused Words

semibody

reimbody

coembody