personify

[per-son-uh-fahy]

personify Definition

• 1. to attribute human nature or character to something non-human, such as an object, animal, or idea
• 2. to be a perfect example of a particular quality or characteristic

Using personify: Examples

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

• Example

  The statue personifies the spirit of victory.

• Example

  The cat's eyes seemed to personify evil.

• Example

  The author uses animals to personify different human traits in the story.

• Example

  The new car model personifies luxury and elegance.

personify Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for personify

• embody
• incarnate
• represent
• typify
• exemplify

Antonyms for personify

• depersonalize
• disembody

Phrases with personify

• personify the American Dream

  to embody the ideals and aspirations of the American Dream

  Example

  The rags-to-riches story of the entrepreneur personifies the American Dream.

• personify death

  to represent death as a person

  Example

  In many cultures, death is personified as a grim reaper.

• personify courage

  to embody or exemplify courage

  Example

  The firefighter who saved the child from the burning building personifies courage.

Origins of personify

from Late Latin 'personificare', from Latin 'persona' meaning 'person' and 'facere' meaning 'to make'

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Summary: personify in Brief

To 'personify' [per-son-uh-fahy] is to attribute human qualities to something non-human or to be a perfect example of a particular quality. Examples include 'The statue personifies the spirit of victory' and 'The new car model personifies luxury and elegance.' Phrases like 'personify the American Dream' and 'personify courage' extend the concept to embodying ideals and virtues.