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

Simple consistency has been one of the mainstays of Forest’s unexpected challenge for Champions League qualification — and nobody better personifies that trait than Aina. —Carl Anka, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025

At the height of the season, when many of our characters are in crisis, Compassion (personified as a new creature voiced by Holly Hunter), emerges as a crucial way forward. —Denise Petski, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2025

Earlier that evening at the Elton John viewing party, Megan looked like the flames emoji personified in a yellow-orange halter gown with her red hair pulled atop her head in a pile of soft curls. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 3 Mar. 2025

Us uses these doppelgängers to personify the dark underside of privilege. —James Grebey, Vulture, 6 Mar. 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