verb · 5 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
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/pə(ɹ)ˈsɒnɪfaɪ/
Southern-England:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
CMU ARPABET:P ER0 S AA1 N AH0 F AY2
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
verb
Meaning 1
To be an example of; to have all the attributes of.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: transitive
Examples
Mozart could be said to personify musical genius.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: unpersonify
2
verb
Meaning 2
To create a representation of (an abstract quality) in the form of a character or persona.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: transitive
Examples
The writer personified death in the form of the Grim Reaper.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: unpersonify
3
verb
Meaning 3
attribute human qualities to something
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
The Greeks personated their gods ridiculous
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: personate
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: impute, ascribe, assign, attribute
4
verb
Meaning 4
represent, as of a character on stage
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
Derek Jacobi was Hamlet
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: embody, be
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: typify, symbolize, symbolise, stand for, represent