student asking question

Can I use the expression "incarnation of jealousy" to person who is very jealous? If it sounds awkward, can you recommend other expression?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

The word "incarnation" refers to a spirit that has taken the form of a human. Therefore, someone who is an "incarnation of the devil" refers to someone who has the devil's spirit inside of them. Because "jealously" is not a spirit, there can not be an "incarnation" of it. Instead, you can describe someone who is full of jealousy by saying "They are the epitome of jealous." "Epitome" describes someone or something that is a perfect example of a quality, in this case "jealous".

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