What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
epitomise
Example
The movie Rocky epitomizes the underdog story. [epitomize: verb]
Example
The painting is an epitome of the artist's style. [epitome: noun]
Example
The book provides an epitomized version of the history of the Roman Empire. [epitomized: past participle]
embody
Example
The character of Atticus Finch embodies the ideals of justice and equality. [embodies: verb]
Example
The statue embodies the strength and courage of the soldiers who fought in the war. [embodies: verb]
Example
The team captain embodies the spirit of teamwork and perseverance. [embodies: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Embody is more commonly used than epitomise in everyday language. Embody is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while epitomise is less common and often used in more formal or academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between epitomise and embody?
Epitomise is typically associated with a more formal or academic tone, while embody is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
