Incarnate: meaning, definitions and examples

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incarnate

[ɪnˈkɑːneɪt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in theology

Embodied in human form; in human form and shape.

Synonyms

manifested, personified.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
incarnate	Used when talking about the embodiment of something in human form, often in religious or mythical contexts. He is the devil incarnate. The hero was believed to be a god incarnate.
manifested	Used to describe something that becomes apparent or visible, often suggesting a process of becoming clear. His talent manifested at a young age. The symptoms of the disease manifested slowly.
personified	Used to describe abstract qualities given human form, often in literature and metaphorical contexts. She is kindness personified. Death is often personified as a grim reaper.

Word

Description / Examples

incarnate

Used when talking about the embodiment of something in human form, often in religious or mythical contexts.

He is the devil incarnate.
The hero was believed to be a god incarnate.

manifested

Used to describe something that becomes apparent or visible, often suggesting a process of becoming clear.

His talent manifested at a young age.
The symptoms of the disease manifested slowly.

personified

Used to describe abstract qualities given human form, often in literature and metaphorical contexts.

She is kindness personified.
Death is often personified as a grim reaper.

Examples of usage

The idea of God incarnate in Jesus Christ is central to Christian belief.
The devil was believed to be incarnate in the form of a black cat.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

literary

To represent in a concrete form; to personify or embody.

Synonyms

embody, manifest.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
incarnate	Usually used in a more figurative or spiritual sense to describe someone or something that embodies a specific quality or idea in a very vivid or visible way. It has a more dramatic and intense connotation. She is kindness incarnate. The villain in the story was evil incarnate.
embody	Often used in a general sense to describe someone or something that represents a particular quality or idea in a clear and substantial way. He embodies the spirit of adventure. The architecture of the building embodies modern design principles.
manifest	Used to describe something that becomes clear or visible, often in terms of feelings, attitudes, or characteristics. It can be used both for people and situations. Her excitement manifested in her glowing smile. The company's values manifest in its commitment to sustainability.

Word

Description / Examples

incarnate

Usually used in a more figurative or spiritual sense to describe someone or something that embodies a specific quality or idea in a very vivid or visible way. It has a more dramatic and intense connotation.

She is kindness incarnate.
The villain in the story was evil incarnate.

embody

Often used in a general sense to describe someone or something that represents a particular quality or idea in a clear and substantial way.

He embodies the spirit of adventure.
The architecture of the building embodies modern design principles.

manifest

Used to describe something that becomes clear or visible, often in terms of feelings, attitudes, or characteristics. It can be used both for people and situations.

Her excitement manifested in her glowing smile.
The company's values manifest in its commitment to sustainability.

Examples of usage

The artist sought to incarnate the feeling of despair in his sculpture.
Her character incarnates the values of courage and integrity.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originates from the Latin 'incarnare,' meaning 'to make flesh of,' which combines 'in' and 'caro' (flesh).
It first appeared in the English language in the 14th century, mainly in religious contexts referring to the embodiment of divine spirits.

Literature

In many novels and poems, characters may be described as 'incarnate' to highlight their deep connection to a theme or emotion.
The concept often explores the duality between physical existence and spiritual essence, a recurring theme in existential literature.

Philosophy

Philosophers often use the idea of 'incarnation' when discussing the relationship between the mind and body, addressing how thoughts can manifest in real-world actions.
In some philosophical traditions, achieving incarnate form is viewed as essential for experiencing the material world and learning from it.

Religion and Spirituality

In Christianity, 'incarnation' refers to God becoming human in the form of Jesus Christ, which emphasizes themes of sacrifice and redemption.
Various cultures have myths about gods or spirits taking physical forms to interact with humanity, showcasing the allure of divine presence in earthly matters.

Art and Culture

Artists often explore the idea of incarnation by creating sculptures or paintings that depict divine figures as relatable human forms.
In popular entertainment, characters who 'incarnate' often lead to discussions about what it means to be truly human or to embody certain ideals.

Translations

Translations of the word "incarnate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 encarnar

🇮🇳 अवतार लेना

🇩🇪 verkörpern

🇮🇩 menjelma

🇺🇦 втілювати

🇵🇱 ucieleśniać

🇯🇵 具現化する (ぐげんかする)

🇫🇷 incarner

🇪🇸 encarnar

🇹🇷 canlandırmak

🇰🇷 구현하다

🇸🇦 تجسد

🇨🇿 ztělesnit

🇸🇰 stelesniť

🇨🇳 体现 (tǐxiàn)

🇸🇮 utelesiti

🇮🇸 holdgerving

🇰🇿 бейнелеу

🇬🇪 ხორცშესხმა

🇦🇿 canlandırmaq

🇲🇽 encarnar

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,967, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
17964 planing
17965 curry
17966 pragmatism
17967 incarnate
17968 sacramental
17969 germane
17970 interpolated
...