embody
gb/ɪmbˈɑdi/ us/ɪmbˈɑdi/
C1
Anglais
~ 5600
Sens
0 sens
Verbe
C1
state
1
Be a perfect example of something
To show a quality or idea very clearly, so that people see you as a strong example of it.
Schéma d’usage :
[someone/something] embodies [a quality/idea/type]
Erreur fréquente :
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."
Synonymes
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.)
Antonymes
contradict (To be the opposite of or go against the claimed quality or idea.)
Collocations
embody the spirit of
|embody the values of
|embody an ideal
|embody the principles of
|fully embodies
|truly embodies
Thèmes
character
|society
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Exemples
- She truly embodies the spirit of generosity.
- The company tries to embody innovation and creativity in everything it does.
- 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.
Exemples pédagogiques
- My teacher embodies patience and kindness.
- To me, this city embodies hard work and energy.
- The hero in the film embodies courage.
- That nurse embodies what good care means.
- Her work embodies what modern art is about.
Verbe
formal
C1
action
2
Give concrete form to an idea
To make an idea or feeling clear in a real thing, like a building, a picture, or a plan.
Schéma d’usage :
[something] embodies [an abstract idea/feeling]
Erreur fréquente :
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."
Synonymes
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.)
Antonymes
obscure (To make an idea or meaning less clear or harder to see, the opposite of giving it clear form.)
Collocations
architecture that embodies
|design embodies
|embody in a sculpture
|embody in concrete form
|embody in practice
|embody in a symbol
Thèmes
art
|design
|philosophy
|arts_entertainment
|communication
Exemples
- The building’s simple lines embody the principles of modernist design.
- This monument embodies the nation’s struggle for independence.
- 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.
Exemples pédagogiques
- This statue embodies the idea of freedom.
- The new logo embodies the company’s fresh image.
- The song embodies his feelings about home.
- Their project embodies a different way to use energy.
- This simple picture embodies a very complex idea.
Verbe
formal
C1
action
3
Include as an essential part
To have ideas, rules, or parts inside something, as an important part of it.
Schéma d’usage :
[something] embodies [rules/principles/features]
Erreur fréquente :
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.
Synonymes
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.)
Antonymes
exclude (To deliberately leave something out of a document or system.)
Collocations
embody in a contract
|embody in legislation
|embody in policy
|embody key principles
|embody the terms of
|embody in a document
Thèmes
law
|business
|technology
Exemples
- The new agreement embodies all the conditions we discussed.
- These regulations embody the latest safety standards.
- The policy embodies several recommendations from the expert panel.
- The charter embodies the organization’s core principles.
- The software specification embodies detailed security requirements.
Exemples pédagogiques
- The contract embodies the rules of the project.
- This law embodies many new ideas about privacy.
- The plan embodies the changes we asked for.
- The report embodies their main suggestions.
- The app embodies all the features customers wanted.
Verbe
literary
C2
action
4
Give bodily form to a spirit
To make a god, spirit, or idea exist in a real body, usually in stories or religion.
Schéma d’usage :
[a spirit/idea] is embodied in [a person/form]
Synonymes
incarnate (Very close in meaning; often specifically religious or literary.)
Antonymes
disembody (To separate something from a physical body or form, the reverse of giving it one.)
Collocations
embodied in human form
|embodied in flesh
|embody the divine
|embody the god
|embody the spirit
|embody in human shape
Thèmes
religion
|mythology
|literature
|core_vocabulary
Exemples
- In the myth, the goddess is embodied in a young girl.
- The novel shows evil embodied in a single mysterious figure.
- 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.
Exemples pédagogiques
- In this story, love is embodied as a woman.
- The film shows fear embodied in a monster.
- 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.
Grammaire
Forme canonique
embody
API
GB/ɪmbˈɑdi/
US/ɪmbˈɑdi/
Syllabes et accentuation
em - body (2 syllabes)
Stress on 2nd syllable (body)
Formes du mot
Verb
- Base: embody
- 3rd Person Singular: embodies
- Present Participle: embodying
- Past: embodied
Famille de mots
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.
Exemples
- 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.
Exemples
- 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.
Exemples
- We chose her because she embodies the values of our company.
- The project aims to embody the values of open cooperation and respect.