reify

[ˈriːɪfaɪ]

reify Definition

to treat something abstract as if it were a real, concrete thing.

Using reify: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "reify" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The concept of justice is often reified in our legal system.

• Example

  We need to be careful not to reify stereotypes and prejudices.

• Example

  The artist's work reifies the emotions of his subjects.

reify Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for reify

• concretize
• objectify
• actualize

Phrases with reify

• reify the problem

  to make a problem seem more concrete or tangible than it actually is

  Example

  By breaking down the issue into smaller parts, we can reify the problem and find a solution.

• reify the past

  to treat the past as if it were a concrete, unchangeable thing

  Example

  Some historians tend to reify the past, forgetting that it is always subject to interpretation and revision.

• reify a concept

  to treat an abstract idea as if it were a physical object

  Example

  In philosophy, it is common to reify concepts like truth, beauty, and justice.

Origins of reify

from Latin 'res' meaning 'thing'

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Summary: reify in Brief

'Reify' [ˈriːɪfaɪ] means to treat something abstract as if it were a real, concrete thing. It is often used in contexts where ideas or concepts are given physical form, such as in art or philosophy. The phrase 'reify the problem' refers to making a problem seem more tangible, while 'reify the past' means treating history as if it were unchangeable.