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Personified Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘ค
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personified

[pษ™หˆsษ’nษชfaษชd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

describing something

Attributed human traits or characteristics to something non-human.

Synonyms

anthropomorphized, embodied, incarnate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
personified

Refers to giving human characteristics to something abstract or non-human, often used in literature and art.

  • In the poem, love is personified as a gentle, kind figure.
  • The character of Death is personified in many stories.
anthropomorphized

Specifically means giving human traits or behaviors to animals, gods, or objects, often in storytelling for children or folk tales.

  • The animals in the story were anthropomorphized, acting and talking like humans.
  • In some cultures, natural elements like the sun and moon are anthropomorphized as deities.
embodied

Describes giving a tangible or physical form to an idea, quality, or concept, often used in philosophy, art, and descriptions of people.

  • She embodied the spirit of perseverance.
  • The sculpture embodied the artistโ€™s vision of freedom.
incarnate

Refers to a person or thing representing a particular quality or idea in a very clear or strong way, often used in religious or dramatic contexts.

  • He was kindness incarnate, always helping others.
  • Some people believe she is evil incarnate.

Examples of usage

  • Animals are often personified in children's literature.
  • The storm clouds seemed to be personified, with angry faces looking down at us.
Context #2 | Verb

literary usage

To represent a thing or abstraction in the form of a person.

Synonyms

embodied, incarnated, manifested.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
personified

Best used when describing the representation of an abstract quality or idea in a human form. It often has a mythical or symbolic connotation.

  • She is kindness personified, always helping others without expecting anything in return.
  • In Greek mythology, Athena is wisdom personified.
embodied

Typically used to describe someone or something that gives a tangible or visible form to an idea, quality, or feeling. It can be more literal than 'personified'.

  • The teacher embodied patience, calmly explaining the topic multiple times to the students.
  • The statue embodied the spirit of freedom.
incarnated

Commonly used in religious or spiritual contexts to describe a deity or spirit taking on a physical, human form. It carries a sense of being made flesh.

  • Many Christians believe that Jesus is God incarnated.
  • The legend told of an ancient god who incarnated to save the world.
manifested

Used when something, often abstract like feelings or ideas, becomes clear or visible. It doesnโ€™t necessarily have to take a human form.

  • Her anxiety manifested in constant nail-biting.
  • His leadership qualities manifested during the crisis.

Examples of usage

  • The author personified the wind as a mischievous child.
  • The concept of time was personified as an old man with a scythe.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, personification is a common device used to animate nature; for example, saying 'the wind whispered secrets'.
  • Classic works like Aesop's Fables often personify animals to convey moral lessons effectively.
  • Modern children's literature frequently employs this technique, allowing young readers to connect emotionally with inanimate objects.

Psychology

  • Personification helps people relate to concepts and emotions, making complex ideas more understandable.
  • By personifying feelings (e.g., sadness wearing a grey cloak), it can assist in processing emotions in therapeutic settings.
  • Studies show that children often use personification during play, as it aids cognitive development by fostering creativity.

Pop Culture

  • Popular animated films often personify animals and objects, like talking cars in 'Cars' or a friendly balloon in 'Up'.
  • Personified mascots, like the M&M characters, create memorable brand identities that resonate with consumers.
  • In social media, people frequently use personification as a humorous way to explain everyday frustrations, like 'my coffee is judging me today.'

Art

  • Visual artists frequently explore personification, embodying abstract concepts like love or justice in human form.
  • Sculptures depicting nature, such as rivers and mountains, often feature human-like qualities, which resonate with viewers.
  • The use of personified figures in painting allows artists to convey deep philosophical ideas about human existence.

Origin of 'personified'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'persona', which means 'mask' or 'character', highlighting how we give a face to concepts.
  • It entered the English language in the late 16th century, reflecting the growing interest in literature and storytelling.
  • The prefix 'per-' suggests thoroughness, emphasizing the complete attribution of human traits.

The word 'personified' comes from the combination of 'person' + 'fied,' with 'person' deriving from the Latin word 'persona' meaning 'mask, character.' The concept of personification has been used in literature and art for centuries to give human qualities to non-human entities, enhancing storytelling and communication.

See also: depersonalization, depersonalize, depersonalizing, impersonate, impersonation, impersonator, nonperson, people, personable, personage, personages, personal, personalities, personality, personalizer, personally, personification, personify, personifying, personnel, persons.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,185, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.