To represent an idea, quality, or thing as if it were a person. It can also mean to be a perfect example of a particular quality.
From French “personifier,” from “personne” (person) and Latin-based suffix “-fy” (to make). It literally means “to make into a person.”
When we say “Time flies” or “Justice is blind,” we’re personifying invisible ideas to make them easier to grasp. Our brains love turning abstract concepts into characters with human traits.
'Personify' often involves assigning human traits, sometimes gendered, to abstract concepts (e.g., nations or virtues depicted as women). Such personifications have historically reflected and reinforced gender norms and symbolic roles.
When personifying, avoid defaulting to stereotypical gendered traits (e.g., always depicting care as female and strength as male). Consider neutral or varied representations.
["embody","represent","symbolize"]
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