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Showing results for embodiment. Search instead for imbodiment.
Synonyms

embodiment

American  
[em-bod-ee-muhnt] / ɛmˈbɒd i mənt /

noun

  1. the act of embodying.

  2. the state or fact of being embodied.

  3. a person, being, or thing embodying a spirit, principle, abstraction, etc; incarnation.

  4. something embodied.


Other Word Forms

  • preembodiment noun

Etymology

Origin of embodiment

First recorded in 1820–30; embody + -ment

Explanation

The embodiment of something gives concrete form to an abstract idea. A flag is the embodiment of a country. When you talk about embodiment, you're talking about giving a form to ideas that are usually not physical: like love, hate, fear, justice, etc. A gavel is the embodiment of justice; a wedding ring can be the embodiment of love. The word body in embodiment is a clue to its meaning: this is a word for giving a body to things that usually don't have one.

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Vocabulary lists containing embodiment

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They then tested how different movement speeds influenced embodiment, including body ownership, sense of agency, usability, and social impressions such as competence and discomfort.

From Science Daily • Feb. 13, 2026

Blair Kinghorn was a surprise exclusion from the 23 but the Toulouse full-back is the embodiment of the gambler's instinct that's magnificent when it works and utterly ruinous when it doesn't.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

The high-strung kid is pure nerve and he even looks like one, too; he’s the embodiment of a twitch.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 23, 2025

His anecdotes would become the basis for Crystal’s character, Harry, while Ryan’s witty foil, Sally, was the embodiment of Ephron’s sharp and observant eye.

From Salon • Dec. 17, 2025

His childhood was the embodiment of concerted cultivation.

From "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell