The word "incarnates" is spelled with the sound /ɪnˈkɑːr.neɪts/. In IPA phonetic transcription, this translates to: "in-kar-neyts." The word means to embody a spirit or idea within a physical being. In addition to the initial "in" prefix, the word includes the popular suffix "-ates," which is often used to indicate a process or action. With this spelling, "incarnates" is often confused with "incarnations," which refers to a specific embodiment or manifestation.
Incarnates is the plural form of the verb incarnate. The term "incarnate" is derived from the Latin word "incarnatus" which means "made flesh." It is primarily used in a religious or philosophical context to describe the act of taking on physical form, especially in reference to a deity or spiritual being manifesting in human or animal form.
In a theological sense, the term often refers to the belief that God or a divine entity takes on human form for specific purposes. This concept is particularly prevalent in Christianity, where the Incarnation refers to the belief that Jesus Christ, as the son of God, became human through birth in order to redeem humanity from sin.
In a broader philosophical context, "incarnate" can also refer to the embodiment or manifestation of an idea, quality, or concept in a physical body or concrete form. It indicates the transformation of an abstract or intangible concept into a recognizable and tangible manifestation. For example, a person who embodies the ideals of courage, compassion, and justice can be described as someone who incarnates those virtues.
Overall, the term "incarnates" encompasses the idea of a divine being or abstract concept taking on a physical or concrete form. Whether referring to a deity assuming human form or an idea materializing in a person, it signifies the union of the spiritual and physical realms.
The word incarnates has its roots in the Latin term incarnatus, which is the past participle of the verb incarnare. Incarnare is derived from two Latin elements: in, meaning into, and carnem, meaning flesh. Therefore, incarnates originally meant to make into flesh or to embody in flesh.