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reify

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˈriːəˌfaɪ/

KK: /ˈriːəˌfaɪ/

transitive verb
Definition

To treat something abstract as if it is real or concrete.


Example

In philosophy, we often reify concepts like justice and freedom, treating them as if they have a physical form.


Tense Forms

Past: reified

Past Participle: reified


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever thought about how we reify our dreams in our minds?
Sloth B
Yeah, it's interesting how we turn abstract ideas into something tangible.
Sloth A
Exactly! It makes you realize how powerful our thoughts can be.
Sloth B
For sure! It's like giving life to what we imagine.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
materialize
actualize
embody
Antonyms
abstract
dissociate
disembody
Root Explanation

Reify → It is formed from "re-" (meaning again) and "facere" (meaning to make or do). The word means to make something abstract into a concrete or real form, essentially making it 'real' again.

Memory Tip

Think of 'making' something 'again' — 're-' means again, and 'facere' means to make. This helps you remember that reify means to make something abstract into something real.

Visually Confused Words
treeify
reunify
redeify
rectify
cretify
rifty
refly
reefy
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