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Incarnate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘ค
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incarnate

[ษชnหˆkษ‘หneษชt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in theology

Embodied in human form; in human form and shape.

Synonyms

manifested, personified.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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?

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'incarnate'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'incarnate' traces its origins back to the Latin word 'incarnatus', which is a combination of 'in-' (in, into) and 'caro' (flesh). The concept of incarnation has been significant in various religious beliefs throughout history, particularly in Christianity where it refers to the embodiment of a deity in human form. Over time, 'incarnate' has come to be used more broadly to denote the representation or embodiment of abstract ideas or qualities in tangible form.

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.