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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.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

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.

And Yoo Geun-Taek, exhibited by Gallery Hyundai, is the embodiment of effervescence.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

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

"We want to be able to breathe intelligence into any sort of physical embodiment, whether that's a humanoid robot or even something that looks closer to an appliance," says co-founder Chelsea Finn.

From BBC • Jan. 11, 2026

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

The Winstons were the embodiment of the Double V, and Mary took her duties as secretary as seriously as if she were the head of the club.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly