Meaning & use
embodies
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“embodies” is a form of “embody”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
verbtransitiveformal
Is the clearest or most perfect example of a quality or idea.
Grammar: Takes an object, often an abstract noun: he embodies courage.
Patterns
- something embodies something
- someone embodies something
She embodies everything the school hopes its students will become.
The new stadium embodies the city's ambition.
This song embodies the spirit of the summer.
verbtransitiveformal
Includes something as part of a larger whole, such as a law or system.
Grammar: Formal and written; the subject is a document or plan: the treaty embodies several principles.
Patterns
- something embodies something
The new law embodies several earlier proposals.
The design embodies the lessons of past failures.
The contract embodies all points agreed by both sides.
Word forms
| third person singular | embodies |
|---|---|
| past tense | embodied |
| past participle | embodied |
| present participle | embodying |
Common combinations
- embodies the spirit of
- The festival embodies the spirit of the community.
- embodies the idea
- The building embodies the idea of openness.
- embodies the values
- She embodies the values the company stands for.
- perfectly embodies
- The scene perfectly embodies the mood of the film.
- embodies the principle
- The rule embodies the principle of fairness.
Synonyms and how they differ
- personifies
- Personifies suggests a person who seems to be the human form of a quality, whereas embodies can also be used for objects and ideas.
- represents
- Represents is the weaker, everyday word for standing for something, while embodies suggests a complete or ideal example.
- exemplifies
- Exemplifies means giving a clear example of something, but embodies suggests the quality is fully contained in the person or thing.
- incorporates
- Incorporates fits the second sense of including parts into a whole, but it does not carry the ideal-example meaning.
Opposites
Word family
- embody verb
- base form
- embodiment noun
- a perfect example or expression of something
- embodied adjective
- given a physical or clear form
- disembodied adjective
- separated from a body
Commonly confused: embodies or imbues?
embodies vs imbues
Imbues means fills something with a feeling or quality, while embodies means is a living example of that quality.
Practice
Complete the sentence: 'The nurse ___ the kindness the hospital hopes every employee will show.'
Choose one answer.
Embodies is the correct third-person singular present form and takes the object directly. Embody lacks the s needed after a singular subject, and of cannot follow it.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “embodies”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.