incarnate

American  

[in-kahr-nit, -neyt, in-kahr-neyt] / ɪnˈkɑr nɪt, -neɪt, ɪnˈkɑr neɪt /

adjective

1. embodied in flesh; given a bodily, especially a human, form.

   a devil incarnate.

2. personified or typified, as a quality or idea.

   chivalry incarnate.

3. flesh-colored or crimson.

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verb (used with object)

incarnated, incarnating

1. to put into or represent in a concrete form, as an idea.

   The building incarnates the architect's latest theories.

2. to be the embodiment or type of.

   Her latest book incarnates the literature of our day.

3. to embody in flesh; invest with a bodily, especially a human, form.

   a man who incarnated wisdom and compassion.

incarnate British  

adjective

1. possessing bodily form, esp the human form

   a devil incarnate

2. personified or typified

   stupidity incarnate

3. (esp of plant parts) flesh-coloured or pink

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verb

1. to give a bodily or concrete form to

2. to be representative or typical of

Other Word Forms

• nonincarnate adjective
• nonincarnated adjective
• unincarnate adjective
• unincarnated adjective

Etymology

Origin of incarnate

First recorded in 1350–1400; late Middle English, from Late Latin incarnātus, past participle of incarnāre “to make into flesh,” equivalent to in- “in” + carn- “flesh” + -ātus past participle suffix; in- ², carnal, -ate ¹

Example Sentences

Here, in effect, stood American corporations incarnate: massive, spectacular, inventive, prosperous, self-confident.

From The Wall Street Journal

He could have become a celebrity without breaking a sweat as the war hero, the jock, the husband, the cowboy, the American ideal made incarnate.

From Los Angeles Times

Erivo, a musical theater divinity, incarnated Elphaba from the inside out while delivering the power ballads with as much feeling as vocal majesty.

From Los Angeles Times

That’s enough genius for any writer, but Williams goes further by offering actors the opportunity of incarnating his interior poetry.

From Los Angeles Times

“I can see how because of Aberfan, he is the devil incarnate,” she says.

From BBC