English vocabulary · C1
Incarnation
/ˌɪnkɑːrˈneɪʃən/ · n.
It means a perfect example of a quality.
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Example sentences
- The peaceful leader was the incarnation of calm.
- She was the incarnation of joy as she danced through the crowd.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- in — in/into (from Latin)
- carner — flesh (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- manifestation (something abstract becomes visible)
- embodiment (a person fully represents an idea)
- personification (a quality is given human form)
Words with the same root
caro — flesh
- carnage — the killing and destruction of many bodies
- carnival — a festive celebration — from Latin 'farewell to flesh' before Lent
- carnivore — an animal that eats flesh
Lesson notes
Incarnation. It means a perfect example of a quality. The idea becomes a real person.
Similar words are manifestation, embodiment, and personification. Use incarnation when an idea is perfectly shown.
The peaceful leader was the incarnation of calm. She was the incarnation of joy as she danced through the crowd.
In means inside. Carner means flesh. Incarnation is the state of being made of flesh.