embodies

Embodies is the third-person singular present tense of the verb embody. To embody means to give a tangible or visible form to an idea, quality, or feeling; to personify or actualize something by including it in a concrete instance. When a person, object, or work embodies a concept, it serves as a representative example or symbol of that concept.

Origin and form: The verb comes from the noun body via Old French embodier, with a sense related to forming into a body; the modern sense broadens to meaning “make concrete” or “represent in form.”

Usage: Common in literature, philosophy, political discourse, and everyday speech. Embodies is often used to describe how abstract ideas are manifested in concrete form or behavior. For example, a charter may embody a nation’s values, a statue may embody a goddess, and a policy may embody a shift in priorities.

Examples:

- The charter embodies the nation's values.

- The statue embodies the goddess of wisdom.

- Her approach embodies the principles of restorative justice.

Related terms: embodiment (noun), embodied (past participle), embodying (present participle). The verb can be used with a direct object (to embody something) or with a subject that embodies a concept.