incarnation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "incarnation" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun which means the embodiment of a concept, idea, or a deity, especially in a physical form. You can use this word to refer to an object or a person that embodies an idea or concept. For example: "Many people believe that Jesus was the incarnation of God on Earth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

First up in an eclectic list – "mainly ecstatic female voices with a few queens thrown in" – is Marc Almond, whom Hegarty has persuaded to appear in his Marc and the Mambas incarnation, the side project of his Soft Cell years.

The Guardian - Music

Now, iTunes has come a long, long way since its first incarnation, when it basically played songs and did visualisations.

The Guardian - Tech

Fourteen different DJs were spinning a dizzying, disorienting mix of hard house, progressive techno, psych trance and every other possible incarnation of the genre.

The Guardian - Music

Tony Abbott's Australia could be an updated incarnation of the film Pleasantville.

The Guardian - Opinion

A far cry from the cheeky childish earlier incarnation – last seen in 2002 – the new Hamburglar is somewhere between hipster and Christian Grey.

The Guardian - Business

It's hard to get us all out of the chalet especially in my new incarnation as a non-shouty person.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's like a grocery store that has become a gigantic shopping mall, but never been able to stop to think about the best design for its current incarnation.

The Guardian - Tech

The final against Barcelona suddenly looks like being the last hurrah for the current incarnation of Italy's biggest club, as Pirlo isn't the only one preparing to pack his bags and leave the Old Lady.

The Guardian - Sport

Abu Ahmed was an essential member of the earliest incarnation of the group.

The Guardian

Feminism was a movement of profound importance, securing the extension of natural rights to women, but its modern incarnation is a concoction of socialist values.

The Guardian - Opinion

On a wintry February weekend it's barely recognisable from its summer incarnation as tourist honeypot, and it's possible to do the spectacular walk over the cliffs to the Durdle Door without seeing another person.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "incarnation" when you want to emphasize the physical or concrete manifestation of an abstract concept, idea, or deity.

Common error

While "incarnation" can overlap with words like "embodiment" or "representation", it often carries a stronger connotation of transformation or a new form of existence. Use it carefully to ensure the intended meaning is conveyed.

Linguistic Context

The noun "incarnation" functions to denote a physical or concrete representation of an abstract concept, deity, or quality. This usage aligns with Ludwig AI, which confirms the word's appropriate application in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the noun "incarnation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term, particularly in news, business, and scientific domains. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and diverse applicability. It signifies the tangible manifestation of an abstract concept or quality. When using "incarnation", be mindful of its specific connotation, which suggests a transformation or new form of existence. Consider alternatives such as "embodiment" or "manifestation" for subtly different meanings. Avoiding overuse and ensuring contextual appropriateness will enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

embodiment

Focuses on the physical manifestation of an abstract concept or quality.

manifestation

Emphasizes the revealing or displaying of something previously hidden.

personification

Highlights the representation of an abstract quality or idea as a person or character.

epitome

Suggests the perfect example of something.

representation

Broadly refers to the act of portraying or symbolizing something.

exemplification

Emphasizes the act of providing an example or instance of something.

avatar

Implies a deliberate representation or manifestation, often in a digital or symbolic context.

expression

Focuses on the outward communication of an idea or feeling.

image

Highlights the visual or mental representation of something.

form

Refers to the shape or structure in which something exists or appears.

FAQs

How can I use "incarnation" in a sentence?

You can use "incarnation" to describe a person, thing, or idea that embodies a particular quality or concept. For example, "The new building is the very incarnation of modern architecture."

What's the difference between "incarnation" and "embodiment"?

"Incarnation" often implies a more complete or transformative manifestation of something, especially in a physical form, while "embodiment" can refer to a broader range of expressions or representations.

What are some alternatives to using the word "incarnation"?

Depending on the context, you could use words like "embodiment", "manifestation", "personification", or "representation".

Is it appropriate to use "incarnation" in formal writing?

Yes, "incarnation" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a sophisticated word that can add depth and precision to your descriptions.