avatar
/,ævə'tɑ:/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A manifestation or embodiment of a deity, concept, or quality: In Hinduism, an "avatar" is the deliberate descent of a deity, most commonly Vishnu, to Earth in a physical form (human or animal). More broadly, it can refer to any person who perfectly represents or embodies an idea, principle, or quality.
- A graphical representation of a user in a digital environment: In computing and online communities, an "avatar" is an icon or figure representing a particular person in a video game, internet forum, or virtual world.
Examples of Usage
- Noun (Divine/Embodiment):
- In Hindu tradition, Krishna is a beloved avatar of the god Vishnu.
- She was seen as the very avatar of compassion, always helping those in need.
- Noun (Digital Representation):
- He spent an hour customizing his avatar for the new online game.
- Please upload a picture to use as your forum avatar.
Advanced Usage
- "To be the avatar of something": To be the perfect or ultimate example of a particular quality, often an abstract one.
- The ruthless dictator was the avatar of tyranny for an entire generation.
Variants and Related Words
- Avatara (n): The Sanskrit source word for "avatar," meaning "descent."
- Avatarhood (n): The state or condition of being an avatar.
- Incarnation (n): A person who embodies in the flesh a deity, spirit, or abstract quality; a very close synonym in the context of embodiment.
Synonyms
- Embodiment: A tangible or visible form of an idea, quality, or feeling.
- Incarnation: A person who embodies a deity or quality in the flesh.
- Personification: The representation of a thing or abstraction as a person.
- Epitome: A person or thing that is a perfect example of a particular quality or type.
- Icon (in digital contexts): A symbol or graphic representation on a screen.
Related Phrases
- Digital avatar: Specifically refers to the graphical representation used online.
- Avatar state (from specific media/franchises): A term from certain narratives (e.g., ) denoting a state of heightened power or connection for the avatar figure within that story's mythology.
Related Idioms
- To be the living avatar of [something]: An emphatic way to say someone is the perfect example.
- With his unwavering integrity, he was the living avatar of honesty.
Noun
- the manifestation of a Hindu deity (especially Vishnu) in human or superhuman or animal form
- the Buddha is considered an avatar of the god Vishnu
- a new personification of a familiar idea
- the embodiment of hope
- the incarnation of evil
- the very avatar of cunning