embody
gb/ɪmbˈɑdi/ us/ɪmbˈɑdi/
C1
English
~ 5600
megtestesít, megjelenít, magában foglal, megtestesül, testet ölt
VERB
C1
1
megtestesít
C1
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] embodies [a quality/idea/type]
She truly embodies the spirit of generosity.
Ő valóban megtestesíti a nagylelkűség szellemét.
The company tries to embody innovation and creativity in everything it does.
A vállalat igyekszik mindenben, amit tesz, megtestesíteni az innovációt és a kreativitást.
For many fans, he embodies the traditional values of the sport.
The character embodies the hopes and fears of an entire generation.
This movement embodies a new way of thinking about community.
Learner examples
My teacher embodies patience and kindness.
A tanárom megtestesíti a türelmet és a kedvességet.
To me, this city embodies hard work and energy.
Számomra ez a város megtestesíti a kemény munkát és az energiát.
The hero in the film embodies courage.
That nurse embodies what good care means.
Her work embodies what modern art is about.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "embody" with "symbolize". "Embody" usually means someone or something is the living or clear example of a quality, while "symbolize" often refers to a sign or object that stands for something more abstract (for example, a flag symbolizes a country). Also, do not say "embody of"; use a direct object: "He embodies courage," not "He embodies of courage."
Meaning
Be a perfect example of something
Collocations
embody the spirit of
|embody the values of
|embody an ideal
|embody the principles of
|fully embodies
|truly embodies
Synonyms
epitomize (Slightly more formal; stresses being the best or most typical example.)
|
personify (Often used when a human seems to be the living form of a quality or idea.)
|
exemplify (Highlights serving as an example that shows a quality or type clearly.)
Antonyms
contradict (To be the opposite of or go against the claimed quality or idea.)
Themes
character
|society
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To show a quality or idea very clearly, so that people see you as a strong example of it.
To clearly or perfectly represent a particular quality, idea, role, or type in the way someone behaves or something appears.
VERB
C1
FORMAL
2
megtestesít
C1
megjelenít
B2
Usage pattern:
[something] embodies [an abstract idea/feeling]
The building’s simple lines embody the principles of modernist design.
Az épület egyszerű vonalai megtestesítik a modernista tervezés alapelveit.
This monument embodies the nation’s struggle for independence.
Ez az emlékmű megtestesíti a nemzet függetlenségért folytatott küzdelmét.
Her painting embodies the sadness and hope of the post-war period.
The festival embodies their belief in community and shared responsibility.
The logo is meant to embody the brand’s promise of reliability.
Learner examples
This statue embodies the idea of freedom.
Ez a szobor megtestesíti a szabadság eszméjét.
The new logo embodies the company’s fresh image.
Az új logó megjeleníti a vállalat megújult arculatát.
The song embodies his feelings about home.
Their project embodies a different way to use energy.
This simple picture embodies a very complex idea.
Common mistake:
Learners may use "embody" instead of "include" or "contain" in technical contexts. "Embody" here is about making an abstract idea visible or concrete, not just having it as a part. Also, avoid saying "embody into"; the normal pattern is "embody in": "The design is embodied in the final product."
Meaning
Give concrete form to an idea
Collocations
architecture that embodies
|design embodies
|embody in a sculpture
|embody in concrete form
|embody in practice
|embody in a symbol
Synonyms
express (More general; does not always suggest a concrete or physical form.)
|
manifest (Often used when something hidden becomes visible or obvious.)
|
encapsulate (Focuses on capturing the main points or essence in a compact form.)
Antonyms
obscure (To make an idea or meaning less clear or harder to see, the opposite of giving it clear form.)
Themes
art
|design
|philosophy
|arts_entertainment
|communication
Definition
To make an idea or feeling clear in a real thing, like a building, a picture, or a plan.
To express an abstract idea, feeling, or concept in a concrete, visible, or material form, such as an object, design, or work of art.
VERB
C1
FORMAL
3
Usage pattern:
[something] embodies [rules/principles/features]
The new agreement embodies all the conditions we discussed.
Az új megállapodás magában foglalja az összes feltételt, amelyet megbeszéltünk.
These regulations embody the latest safety standards.
Ezek a szabályozások magukban foglalják a legújabb biztonsági előírásokat.
The policy embodies several recommendations from the expert panel.
The charter embodies the organization’s core principles.
The software specification embodies detailed security requirements.
Learner examples
The contract embodies the rules of the project.
A szerződés magában foglalja a projekt szabályait.
This law embodies many new ideas about privacy.
Ez a törvény sok új elképzelést foglal magában a magánszféra védelméről.
The plan embodies the changes we asked for.
The report embodies their main suggestions.
The app embodies all the features customers wanted.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use "contain" or "have" where formal writing prefers "embody" or "incorporate". Also, remember that the thing doing the embodying is usually a document, law, or system, not a person, in this sense.
Meaning
Include as an essential part
Collocations
embody in a contract
|embody in legislation
|embody in policy
|embody key principles
|embody the terms of
|embody in a document
Synonyms
incorporate (Very close in meaning; common in legal and business writing.)
|
include (More general and less formal; does not always suggest being an essential part.)
Antonyms
exclude (To deliberately leave something out of a document or system.)
Themes
law
|business
|technology
Definition
To have ideas, rules, or parts inside something, as an important part of it.
To include or contain something, especially principles, rules, or features, as an integral part of a document, system, or structure.
VERB
C2
LITERARY
4
megtestesül
C1
testet ölt
C1
Usage pattern:
[a spirit/idea] is embodied in [a person/form]
In the myth, the goddess is embodied in a young girl.
A mítoszban az istennő egy fiatal lány alakjában testesül meg.
The novel shows evil embodied in a single mysterious figure.
A regényben a gonosz egyetlen titokzatos alakban ölt testet.
Some traditions see the hero as justice embodied in human form.
The legend tells of an ancient spirit embodied in a stone statue.
For the villagers, the child embodied the divine presence among them.
Learner examples
In this story, love is embodied as a woman.
Ebben a történetben a szerelem nőalakban testesül meg.
The film shows fear embodied in a monster.
A filmben a félelem egy szörnyben ölt testet.
They believed their god was embodied in the king.
In the tale, the spirit is embodied in a bird.
The writer shows hope embodied in one small child.
Meaning
Give bodily form to a spirit
Collocations
embodied in human form
|embodied in flesh
|embody the divine
|embody the god
|embody the spirit
|embody in human shape
Synonyms
incarnate (Very close in meaning; often specifically religious or literary.)
Antonyms
disembody (To separate something from a physical body or form, the reverse of giving it one.)
Themes
religion
|mythology
|literature
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To make a god, spirit, or idea exist in a real body, usually in stories or religion.
To give a spirit, deity, or other non-physical being a physical, usually human, body; to incarnate.
Grammar
Dictionary form
embody
IPA
GB/ɪmbˈɑdi/
US/ɪmbˈɑdi/
Syllables & stress
em - body (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (body)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: embody
- 3rd Person Singular: embodies
- Present Participle: embodying
- Past: embodied
Word family
Forms
embodies
verb
embodying
verb
embodied
verb
Core family
embodiment
noun C1
Related words
body
noun A1
Negative and opposite forms
disembodied
adjective
Expressions
be embodied in
1/bˈi ɪmbˈɑdid ˈɪn/
fixed phrase
formal
Exist in concrete form
To be shown or present in a real, clear form, often in a thing, person, or law.
Examples
- Their ideas are embodied in the new constitution.
- The company’s commitment to quality is embodied in every product they make.
embody the spirit of
1/ɪmbˈɑdi ðə spˈɪɹɪt əv/
fixed phrase
Show the typical spirit of something
To be a very clear example of the usual feeling, mood, or style of a group, place, or activity.
Examples
- This small café really embodies the spirit of the neighborhood.
- Her performance embodied the spirit of the original play.
embody the values of
1/ɪmbˈɑdi ðə vˈæljuz əv/
fixed phrase
formal
Represent a group’s values
To show the main beliefs and principles of a group or organization in a clear way.
Examples
- We chose her because she embodies the values of our company.
- The project aims to embody the values of open cooperation and respect.