Word
embody
Phoneticsem·body
US/ɪmˈbɑdi/
UK/ɛmbˈɒdi/
Definition
v. to be a perfect example of an idea or a quality. When you embody something, people can see that idea clearly in your actions or appearance.
v. to represent or express an abstract quality, idea, or feeling in a tangible or visible form. Often used to describe how a person or object serves as the quintessential example of a concept.
Examples
“She seems to embody the spirit of kindness in everything she does.”
“The new museum building aims to embody the city's history while looking toward a modern future.”
“The protagonist is designed to embody the existential anxieties of the post-war era, serving as a vessel for the author's critiques of modern industrial society.”
Examples
simple
“She seems to embody the spirit of kindness in everything she does.”
contextual
“The new museum building aims to embody the city's history while looking toward a modern future.”
complex
“The protagonist is designed to embody the existential anxieties of the post-war era, serving as a vessel for the author's critiques of modern industrial society.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “embody” in context.
Verb
01. embody the essence
“Her latest collection of poems embodies the essence of the romantic era.”
verb + noun
02. embody the ideal
“The athlete was chosen for the campaign because he embodies the ideal of perseverance.”
verb + noun
03. embody the principles
“The new legislation embodies the principles of social justice and equality.”
verb + noun
Adverb
04. fully embody
“To be a successful leader, you must fully embody the values of the organization.”
adv + verb
05. perfectly embody
“The new library perfectly embodies the architect's vision of sustainable design.”
adv + verb
06. uniquely embody
“This traditional festival uniquely embodies the spirit of the local community.”
adv + verb
Usage
The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, typically an abstract noun like 'spirit', 'ideal', or 'essence'. 'essence'.
Real-World Examples
“A former air freshener salesman with a degree in business psychology, he embodies a charm and wit that his party colleagues have often lacked.” “The performances embody a looseness that defines Fortner’s work: always moving forward and upward, never hemmed in.” Etymology
From Latin em- + body.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/embody