Word
embodiment
Phoneticsem·bod·i·ment, stress on the second syllable
US/ɛmˈbɑdimənt/
UK/ɛmbˈɒdɪmənt/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. a person or thing that is a perfect example of a quality or idea. If someone is very kind, you might say they are the embodiment of kindness.
n. the tangible or visible representation of an abstract idea, quality, or concept. Often used to describe a person who perfectly exemplifies a specific trait.
Examples
“She is the perfect embodiment of hard work.”
“The new community center stands as a physical embodiment of the neighborhood's commitment to social unity.”
“In many literary traditions, the hero serves as the embodiment of the culture's highest moral virtues, acting as a template for the audience's own behavior.”
Examples
simple
“She is the perfect embodiment of hard work.”
contextual
“The new community center stands as a physical embodiment of the neighborhood's commitment to social unity.”
complex
“In many literary traditions, the hero serves as the embodiment of the culture's highest moral virtues, acting as a template for the audience's own behavior.”
Usage
Often follows the pattern 'the embodiment of [abstract noun]'.
Real-World Examples
“She won the affection of ordinary Norwegians and for years has been seen as the embodiment of a modern monarchy capable of shaking up convention.” “A Ballon d’Or winner and the embodiment of a style, an identity, that is theirs too, Rodri is the perfect fit.” Etymology
From embody + -ment.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/embodiment