personify

verb

per·​son·​i·​fy pər-ˈsä-nə-ˌfī 

personified; personifying

transitive verb

1

: to conceive of or represent as a person or as having human qualities or powers

2

: to be the embodiment or personification of : incarnate

a teacher who personified patience

personifier

pər-ˈsä-nə-ˌfī(-ə)r 

noun

Synonyms

• body
• embody
• epitomize
• express
• externalize
• incarnate
• incorporate
• instantiate
• manifest
• materialize
• personalize
• substantiate

Examples of personify in a Sentence

The ancient Greeks personified the forces of nature as gods and goddesses.

Justice is personified as a woman with her eyes covered.

Recent Examples on the Web

Driving the news: The program will offer contributing historic hotels matching grants up to $20,000 to refresh their exteriors with pastel colors that personify the Art Deco style. —Martin Vassolo, Axios, 22 Jan. 2025

More than just a fashion icon, Audrey Hepburn was elegance personified. —Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 22 Jan. 2025

Aurora’s Cathedral of Grace St. John AME Church honored the life and legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on Sunday by recognizing five young men who personify his character and values, according to a press release about the awards. —Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025

Trudeau absorbed the turn, and rapidly came to personify it. —David Frum, The Atlantic, 15 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1728, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

personify

verb

per·​son·​i·​fy pər-ˈsän-ə-ˌfī 

personified; personifying

1

: to think of or represent as a person

personify the forces of nature

2

: to be the perfect example of

she personified kindness