embody

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'embody' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that a certain thing or person encapsulates or expresses the essence of a certain concept or idea. Example: His words embody the spirit of their cause.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dinosaurs embody the drastic changes that life on Earth has undergone, and give us access to some of the most powerful truths our species has come to understand – that our planet has an incredibly deep history, that life has changed constantly through time, and that extinction is the fate of all.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Who embody that classic British pop cult paradox: foppish violence.

The Guardian

And she saw in the dexterity and flow of the surgeon's hand movements an affinity that she tried to capture in beautiful drawings, and which she seemed to embody in her sculpture.

The Guardian - Arts

The peace and friendship marches that are being held throughout the country embody the South Africa we know and the South Africa we are proud of.

The Guardian

Let's do it again from the top please.'" Hegarty likes his singers to embody different kinds of courage, "people who deliver a vision of the world they totally believe in".

The Guardian - Music

As a woman, she has been forced to embody a succession of tedious female stereotypes, but she twists this oppressive force in order to get her own way".

The Guardian - Film

As left v right arguments become more blurred, Labour needs a leader and a critical mass of activists who can embody social democracy with a provincial, socially conservative accent.

The Guardian - Opinion

Locog originally approached Atopia, whose motto is "anticipate the future", to come up with ideas for a One Planet pavilion, a structure to embody the sustainable ethos behind the London Games.

The Guardian - Arts

Her expertise is accents (Danish, Italian and RP English among them), and she has the uncanny ability to embody her characters.

The Guardian - Film

Related: Salman Rushdie slams critics of PEN's Charlie Hebdo tribute With this boycott the Charlie Hebdo debate has come to embody all the limitations, and now the futility, of the freedom of expression argument vis-a-vis Muslims in particular and minorities in general.

The Guardian - Opinion

In several areas, such as welfare and immigration, Labour did have quite socially conservative policies – milder versions of the Tories' own policies – but did not really believe in them or embody them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "embody" when you want to convey that something is a tangible representation of an abstract concept or quality. For example, "The statue embodies the spirit of freedom."

Common error

Avoid using "embody" when a simpler word like "represent" or "include" would be more appropriate. Overusing it in abstract contexts can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The verb "embody" functions primarily to describe the act of representing something in a tangible or concrete form. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correctness. Examples show its use in expressing the physical manifestation of ideas, qualities, or principles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "embody" is a versatile verb used to describe the act of representing something abstract in a tangible form. As Ludwig AI notes, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Its prevalence in news and media, formal business, and science contexts underlines its broad applicability. While highly versatile, overuse in simplified context should be avoided for clarity. Related terms such as "represent", "personify", and "incarnate" provide alternative options depending on the desired nuance. Usage examples showcase its common use and meaning across reliable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

represent

Expresses a similar meaning of standing for or symbolizing something.

personify

Focuses on representing something abstract in human form.

incarnate

Highlights giving a concrete, physical form to an abstract idea.

epitomize

Suggests being a perfect example of something.

typify

Conveys representing the typical characteristics of a group or category.

express

Implies conveying a feeling or thought.

manifest

Emphasizes making something evident or clear.

substantiate

Means to provide evidence to support or prove the truth of.

incorporate

Focuses on including something as part of a whole.

encapsulate

Conveys containing all the essential elements of something.

FAQs

How do you use "embody" in a sentence?

Use "embody" to indicate that something is a tangible representation or expression of an abstract concept or quality. For example, "The leader's actions "embody" the values of the organization".

What can I say instead of "embody"?

You can use alternatives like "represent", "personify", or "incarnate" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "embody values" or "embody value"?

"Embody values" is generally more appropriate when referring to a set of principles or beliefs. "Embody value" might be used in a more specific, technical context, but is less common.

What is the difference between "embody" and "symbolize"?

"Embody" suggests a more complete and tangible representation, while "symbolize" implies representing something through a sign or emblem. Embody is something tangible that shows or represents the other one.