Definition

To represent an abstract idea or quality as if it were a person, often giving it human traits or characteristics.

Example

In the story, the author chose to personify the wind as a playful character that danced through the trees.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you ever thought about how stories often personify emotions?

Yeah, it’s interesting how sadness can be depicted as a character.

Right? It really makes the feelings more relatable and vivid.

Exactly! It helps us connect with the story on a deeper level.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Personify → It is formed from "persona" (from Latin, meaning mask or character) and "-fy" (from Latin "facere", meaning to make). The word means to make something take on the characteristics of a person or to represent it as a person.

Memory Tip

Think of giving a 'mask' ('persona') to something non-human, making it act like a person — that's what personify means.

Visually Confused Words