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

• embody
• express
• incorporate

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

Bing, who founded her business with her husband Nico in L.A. in 2012 after building a following as a model and pioneering fashion blogger, still personifies her brand best. —Miles Socha, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2025

But that day and that season personified a drastically changed dynamic around the Cubs. —Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2025

Stamp personified our image of Swinging London in many ways. —Christina Newland, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025

Her favorite flower was a sunflower which personified her happy, strong and loyal qualities, the plaque adds. —Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 16 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1728, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for personify

• acidify
• alveoli
• areolae
• demystify
• detoxify
• disqualify
• diversify
• electrify
• exemplify
• fasciculi
• identify
• indemnify

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