Incarnated

The word 'incarnated' (past tense of 'incarnate') describes the act of being given a bodily form, especially a human one. It implies a spiritual being, deity, or abstract concept taking on a physical manifestation, typically on Earth. This often suggests a descent from a higher realm or state to experience the limitations and realities of the physical world. The process of incarnating also involves a process of becoming embodied, taking on traits, habits, and experiences unique to a particular form and environment. It often carries connotations of purpose, mission, or destiny, suggesting a reason for the embodiment beyond mere physical existence, often entailing suffering. The embodied being remains, in essence, the same entity at its core, albeit transformed by their new physical existence and experiences. The concept is core to many religions, philosophies, and mythologies, representing a bridge between the spiritual and the physical.

Incarnated meaning with examples

• The story of the goddess, Astarte, records her as incarnated in the form of a human woman to heal a deep wound within the human race. She lived among the people for decades, learning their languages, and sharing the joys and sorrows of their daily lives. Her actions as a mortal woman led to profound changes in the society, leading to peace. She was seen as a bringer of hope, a symbol of divine intervention, incarnated among them to bring light to their darkness.
• Many believe that the divine messenger, the Prophet Muhammad, was incarnated on earth to deliver God's final message to humanity. His life, as recorded in the Quran and Hadith, provides a model of righteousness, service, and compassion. His incarnation is a central tenet of Islam and a source of inspiration for millions worldwide. His life served as a model for how humans could find their way back to the Almighty.
• The artist felt that the beauty of the natural world was incarnated in a simple, delicate flower, offering a reminder of the sublime. The flower, with its fragile beauty, seemed to embody the essence of life itself, its brief existence a testament to nature's fleeting perfection. To the artist, it represented a spiritual quality, a direct connection to the universe, which the artist constantly tried to capture.
• In the novel, the protagonist believed his dead grandfather was incarnated as the old willow tree at the edge of their property. The rustling leaves, he felt, were whispers of wisdom and the gnarled branches were embracing of all who passed. He would often sit beneath its shade, seeking solace and guidance, hearing the rustle of leaves as if it were wisdom.
• The concept of 'justice' was, for the philosophical movement, incarnated in their new system of governance, a clear statement of their ideals. The Constitution was written to embody the principles of fairness, equality, and the protection of individual rights. For these philosophers, true justice was incarnated through the law.