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incarnate

adjective

/ɪnˈkɑːnət/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of incarnate

Manifested or embodied in physical form, often referring to abstract qualities, ideas, or concepts taking on a tangible, human-like presence.
"She was grace incarnate, moving with elegance and poise."

Detailed meaning of incarnate

It implies the transformation of an intangible or spiritual essence into a concrete, material existence. For instance, when we say someone is "kindness incarnate," we mean that their actions and demeanor fully represent and embody the quality of kindness. In religious contexts, "incarnate" is often associated with the belief that a divine being, such as Jesus Christ in Christian theology, took on human form, becoming God incarnate. In a broader sense, this term conveys the idea of a concept or attribute becoming palpable and accessible in a human or physical way, making it easier to grasp or relate to.

Example sentences containing incarnate

1. He was a genius incarnate, always coming up with innovative ideas.
2. Her passion for the environment made her an environmentalist incarnate.
3. The movie villain was evil incarnate, causing chaos and destruction everywhere he went.
4. She was a warrior incarnate, fearlessly leading her troops into battle.
5. The artist was creativity incarnate, always pushing the boundaries of his craft.
6. The CEO was greed incarnate, putting profits above everything else.

History and etymology of incarnate

The adjective 'incarnate' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'incarnatus,' which is a combination of 'in,' meaning 'in,' and 'caro,' meaning 'flesh.' In essence, 'incarnatus' signifies the concept of becoming or taking on flesh. This term was particularly used in Christian theology to describe the belief that the divine, in the person of Jesus Christ, became incarnate, taking on human form. Over time, the term expanded beyond its religious context and came to be applied to abstract qualities, ideas, or concepts that seemed to take on a tangible, human-like presence or embodiment. This etymology underscores the idea of something intangible or abstract becoming manifest and tangible in the physical world, echoing the notion of the divine becoming human in the Christian tradition.

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Further usage examples of incarnate

1. He was a slob incarnate, with a messy desk and cluttered office.
2. The athlete was determination incarnate, pushing through pain and exhaustion to achieve greatness.
3. The politician was charisma incarnate, winning over crowds with his charm and wit.
4. The singer was soulfulness incarnate, pouring his heart into every note.
5. The chef was flavor incarnate, creating dishes that burst with taste and aroma.
6. The villain in the movie was pure evil incarnate.
7. Her smile was joy incarnate, lighting up the room.
8. The diva on stage was talent incarnate, mesmerizing the audience with her voice.
9. The child's mischievous spirit was trouble incarnate.
10. The hero's bravery was courage incarnate, inspiring others to follow suit.
11. The model was elegance incarnate, walking the runway with grace and poise.
12. The professor was knowledge incarnate, always ready to share insights and wisdom.
13. The sunset painted the sky with beauty incarnate, a breathtaking sight.
14. The athlete was determination incarnate, pushing their limits to achieve success.
15. The kindness she showed to others was compassion incarnate.
16. The leader was charisma incarnate, captivating and inspiring their followers.
17. The storm unleashed nature's fury incarnate, with thunder and lightning filling the sky.
18. The painting was creativity incarnate, a masterpiece of colors and imagination.
19. The rockstar was rebellion incarnate, defying norms and challenging the status quo.
20. The adventurer was wanderlust incarnate, constantly seeking new horizons and experiences.
21. The dessert was decadence incarnate, a sinful indulgence for the taste buds.
22. The novel was escapism incarnate, transporting readers to fantastical worlds.
23. The silence in the room was tension incarnate, signaling an impending confrontation.
24. The ocean was tranquility incarnate, offering solace and peace to those who gazed upon it.
25. The forest was nature's sanctuary incarnate, teeming with life and serenity.