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Incarnation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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incarnation

[หŒษชnหŒkษ‘หrหˆneษชสƒn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in religion

Incarnation refers to the belief in some religions that a god or other supernatural being became a human being, or the embodiment of a deity or spirit in some earthly form. It is a central concept in Christianity, where it is believed that Jesus Christ was the incarnation of God.

Synonyms

avatar, embodiment, manifestation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
incarnation

Used to describe a living being or deity that embodies a particular quality or concept, often in a religious or spiritual context.

  • In Hinduism, Vishnu is believed to have multiple incarnations, each representing a different divine quality.
embodiment

Refers to a tangible or visible form of an idea, quality, or feeling. Used in both positive and negative contexts.

  • She is the embodiment of kindness and compassion.
  • The dictator was seen as the embodiment of cruelty and oppression.
manifestation

Commonly used to describe something theoretical or abstract that becomes real or visible. It often has a neutral or descriptive tone.

  • The artist's work is a manifestation of his inner thoughts and emotions.
  • These cultural changes are a manifestation of the country's evolution.
avatar

Primarily used to describe a digital representation of a person in virtual spaces or video games. It can also refer to the incarnation of a deity in certain religions like Hinduism.

  • She created a customized avatar for her online gaming profile.
  • Krishna is considered an avatar of the god Vishnu in Hindu mythology.

Examples of usage

  • The doctrine of the incarnation is a key tenet of Christianity.
  • Christians believe that Jesus is the incarnation of God on earth.
Context #2 | Noun

in a more general sense

Incarnation can also refer to a person who embodies in the flesh a deity, spirit, or abstract quality. It can be used metaphorically to describe someone who represents or exemplifies a particular quality or idea.

Synonyms

embodiment, personification, representation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
incarnation

Used to describe someone or something that embodies a particular quality, idea, or principle in a tangible form, often used in metaphysical or religious contexts.

  • Gandhi is often considered the incarnation of peace and non-violence.
  • In many religions, gods or spirits take on human forms through incarnation.
embodiment

Used to indicate someone or something that perfectly represents a particular quality, idea, or principle. Itโ€™s often used in both literal and metaphorical senses.

  • She is the embodiment of kindness, always helping those in need.
  • The statue is the embodiment of the cityโ€™s cultural heritage.
personification

Often used to attribute human characteristics to non-human entities or abstract concepts, and also to describe someone who is a perfect example of a particular quality.

  • In literature, the wind is often the personification of freedom.
  • He is the personification of hard work and dedication.
representation

Used in various contexts to describe the depiction or portrayal of someone or something, whether through art, media, or other forms. It can be neutral in connotation.

  • This painting is a representation of the artistโ€™s struggle.
  • The character in the movie is a representation of the average citizen.

Examples of usage

  • She was the very incarnation of grace and elegance.
  • His actions were the incarnation of courage and determination.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Religious Significance

  • In Christianity, the concept describes how Jesus Christ is seen as the incarnation of God on Earth.
  • Hinduism introduces avatars, which are incarnations of deities appearing in various forms, such as Rama and Krishna.

Literature

  • Many literary works explore reincarnation, depicting characters who live multiple lives, conveying messages about destiny and transformation.
  • The novel 'Cloud Atlas' by David Mitchell illustrates various narratives across time, linking the idea of souls being reborn in different bodies.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers debate the implications of incarnation, pondering questions of identity and continuity across different lifetimes.
  • The concept raises discussions regarding the soul's journey and its experiences in various existences.

Popular Culture

  • Movies like 'The Matrix' and 'Groundhog Day' present themes of a character experiencing multiple lives or timelines.
  • Video games often feature characters who undergo reincarnation or transformation as a storyline mechanic.

Origin of 'incarnation'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'incarnatio', meaning 'to make flesh' or 'to embody'.
  • In many religious contexts, it refers to the belief that a deity has taken on a human form.

The word 'incarnation' has its origins in Latin, from the combination of the prefix 'in-' (in) and 'caro' (flesh). It entered the English language in the 14th century, influenced by the theological concept of the incarnation of God in Christianity. Over time, it has come to be used more broadly to refer to embodiment or manifestation in human form.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,228, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.