incarnation
UK[ˌɪnkɑːˈneɪʃn]US[ˌɪnkɑːrˈneɪʃn]
n
A particular physical form or version of something, especially a person that represents a quality or idea.
n
(in Christian belief) the embodiment of God the Son in human flesh as Jesus Christ.
n
The act of appearing in bodily form.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
carn
ation
in
in, into, on
carn
flesh, meat
ation
Etymology
The word 'incarnation' has a direct and vivid etymological story. It originates from the Late Latin 'incarnatio', which itself is derived from the verb 'incarnare', meaning 'to make into flesh'. This verb is a compound of the Latin prefix 'in-' ('into') and the root 'carn-' ('flesh'). The core concept is the literal act of being embodied in flesh. While its most specific theological meaning refers to the Christian doctrine of God becoming human in Jesus Christ, the logic of the morphemes allows for a broader, metaphorical application. Thus, any concrete or personified manifestation of an abstract principle, idea, or phase can be described as an 'incarnation' of that thing.
Analysis
Structure: in + carn + ation
- in: Latin prefix meaning 'in, into, on'.
- carn: Latin root 'carn-' (from 'caro, carnis') meaning 'flesh, meat'.
- ation: Latin-derived noun suffix forming an action or its result.
Examples
She was the very incarnation of elegance.
The latest model is the incarnation of the company's vision for sustainable design.
The festival celebrates the incarnation of the deity in human form.