B2verbformallanguagearts
US/pərˈsɑː.nɪ.faɪ/
UK/pəˈsɒn.ɪ.faɪ/
to be a perfect example of a quality, or to describe a thing as if it were a person
In context
She personifies kindness; everyone in the village turns to her for help.
In the poem, death is personified as a quiet old man at the door.
The company's founder seemed to personify the spirit of the new, ambitious generation.
Words that go with personify
verb + noun
- personify evilIn the story, the dragon personifies evil.
- personify hopeThe young nurse came to personify hope for the whole ward.
- personify the spirit ofHe personifies the spirit of the city.
- personify natureAncient poets often personified nature as a goddess.
verb + preposition
- personified asWinter is personified as an old man in many tales.