Definitions
- Describing a person or thing that represents or expresses a particular quality or idea. - Referring to the physical manifestation of an abstract concept or idea. - Talking about a person who perfectly exemplifies a certain trait or characteristic.
- Referring to a person or thing that embodies or represents a particular quality or idea in a physical form. - Describing a person who is the perfect example of a particular trait or characteristic. - Talking about a deity or spiritual being taking on human form.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to the representation or manifestation of an idea or quality.
- 2Both words can be used to describe people or things.
- 3Both words imply a strong connection between the idea or quality and the person or thing embodying/incarnating it.
What is the difference?
- 1Religious Connotation: Incarnate has a stronger religious connotation, often referring to the embodiment of a deity or spiritual being in human form.
- 2Degree of Personification: Incarnate implies a stronger degree of personification than embody, suggesting that the quality or idea is almost a part of the person or thing.
- 3Usage: Embody is more commonly used in everyday language, while incarnate is more formal and less frequently used.
- 4Connotation: Embody has a more positive connotation, while incarnate can have a negative connotation when used to describe a person embodying negative qualities.
Remember this!
Embody and incarnate are synonyms that both refer to the representation or manifestation of an idea or quality in a person or thing. However, incarnate has a stronger religious connotation and implies a stronger degree of personification than embody. Additionally, embody is more commonly used in everyday language and has a more positive connotation.
