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The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner
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personified

IPA:

How to pronounce personified (audio)

Dictionary definition of personified

Attributing human characteristics, qualities, or traits to non-human entities, abstract concepts, or inanimate objects.
"The old oak tree stood tall and personified strength and resilience."

Detailed meaning of personified

It is the embodiment or representation of human qualities or behaviors in a particular entity, often used metaphorically to enhance understanding or convey meaning. When something is described as personified, it means it has been given distinct human-like attributes, making it relatable or easier to comprehend. This attribution of human qualities allows for a deeper connection or emotional resonance with the subject, as if it were a living person or had human-like intentions, emotions, or characteristics. The concept of personification is commonly employed in literature, art, and storytelling to bring life and meaning to non-human elements, giving them a sense of personality or identity.

Example sentences containing personified

1. The storm personified nature's fury, unleashing its wrath upon the landscape.
2. Her radiant smile personified joy and happiness.
3. The graceful ballet dancer personified elegance and grace with every movement.
4. The wise old owl personified wisdom and knowledge in the forest.
5. The villain in the movie personified evil, instilling fear in the hearts of the audience.
6. The fiery sunset personified passion and intensity, painting the sky with vibrant hues.

History and etymology of personified

The adjective 'personified' derives its etymology from the Latin word 'persona,' which originally referred to a mask or character worn by actors in ancient Roman theater. This term 'persona' was composed of two parts: 'per,' meaning 'through,' and 'sona,' meaning 'sound' or 'voice.' These masks were not just physical coverings but represented specific characters with distinct voices and personalities. Over time, 'personare,' the verb form of 'persona,' came to mean 'to sound through' or 'to speak through,' emphasizing the idea of embodying a character. In English, the term 'personify' emerged in the 18th century, signifying the act of attributing human characteristics, qualities, or traits to non-human entities, abstract concepts, or inanimate objects, much like the characters behind those Roman masks, making them come alive in a figurative sense.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the adjective personified:

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Further usage examples of personified

1. The loyal and protective dog personified devotion and loyalty to its owner.
2. The city's skyline at night personified modernity and progress.
3. The artist's brush strokes personified creativity and imagination on the canvas.
4. The roaring lion personified strength and courage in the animal kingdom.
5. The vintage car personified nostalgia and a bygone era.
6. The antagonist in the novel personified greed and corruption.
7. The gentle breeze personified tranquility and serenity in the garden.
8. The intricate clockwork mechanism personified precision and intricacy in its design.
9. The storm personified nature's fury, with raging winds and torrential rain.
10. The old oak tree seemed to be personified, standing tall for centuries.
11. Her kindness was personified in the way she cared for stray animals.
12. The haunted house was like a personified nightmare, filled with eerie sounds.
13. The raging inferno personified destruction, consuming everything in its path.
14. His dedication to his craft was personified in every brushstroke.
15. The ancient ruins were a personified glimpse into history's mysteries.
16. The mountain's grandeur was personified in its majestic peaks.
17. The ocean's vastness is often personified as a mighty, unpredictable force.
18. The computer virus seemed almost personified, wreaking havoc on networks.
19. The desert's harshness was personified by the scorching sun.
20. The calm of the forest was personified in the peaceful rustling of leaves.
21. The car's sleek design seemed to be personified in its aerodynamic shape.
22. The city's hustle and bustle was personified by the relentless traffic.
23. The novel's antagonist was a personified embodiment of evil.
24. The concept of time is often personified as an unrelenting taskmaster.
25. The melody of the music was personified in its enchanting notes.
26. The concept of love is often personified as a warm, comforting presence.
27. The movie's special effects were so advanced they personified imagination.
28. The smartphone's intelligence is personified by its voice-activated assistant.

SAT 9 (Scholastic Assessment Test), Deceit and Pretense, Imagination and Ingenuity

incarnate,representative

characterized,embodied,embodying,epitomized,exemplified,exemplifying,incarnating,manifested,symbolized,typified

embodied, abstract, nonrepresentational, inanimate

eb68db_41b983fe61a448ba8b870c78d06d9831.mp3

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