Definition

The act of treating something abstract as if it were real or concrete, often making it seem more tangible or real than it actually is.

Example

In philosophy, reification can lead to misunderstandings about the nature of concepts and ideas.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about the concept of reification in our discussions?

Yeah, it's interesting how we treat ideas like they're real objects sometimes.

Exactly! It makes me realize how we can misunderstand abstract concepts.

For sure, especially when we forget they’re just ideas and not tangible things.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Reification is formed from "re-" (meaning again) and "facere" (meaning to make or do), combined with the suffix "-tion" (indicating the action or process). The term refers to the process of making something abstract more concrete or real, essentially 'making it again' in a tangible form.

Memory Tip

Think of 'making something again' ('re-') into a concrete form ('facere') — that's why reification means turning an abstract idea into something real.

Visually Confused Words