reify: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “reify” mean?
to treat an abstract idea, concept, or quality as if it were a real, concrete, physical object or thing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to treat an abstract idea, concept, or quality as if it were a real, concrete, physical object or thing.
To make something abstract, such as a social construct or mental concept, tangible or concrete in thought or language. In philosophy and critical theory, it often implies a problematic or fallacious concretization of something that is fundamentally relational or process-based.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. UK usage may be slightly more prevalent in humanities and social sciences writing.
Connotations
Equally formal and academic in both varieties. The negative connotation of creating a false concreteness is consistent.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general use, but standard within its academic register in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “reify” in a Sentence
[Subject] reifies [Abstract Object]It is a mistake to reify [Abstract Concept]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reify” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- One must be careful not to reify the concept of 'national character'.
American English
- The study cautioned against reifying racial categories.
adjective
British English
- The reificatory process is a common methodological pitfall.
American English
- She critiqued the reifying language used in the policy document.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used critically: 'The new policy risks reifying outdated departmental silos.'
Academic
Common in critical theory, sociology, philosophy: 'The author warns against the tendency to reify social categories.'
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would be misunderstood by most.
Technical
Core term in specific philosophical and social science discourses.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “reify”
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “reify”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reify”
- Using it to mean simply 'make real' in a positive sense (e.g., 'He reified his dreams' is incorrect).
- Confusing it with 'rectify' (to correct).
- Using it in informal contexts where it will not be understood.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a formal, academic word used primarily in philosophy, sociology, and critical theory. It is very rare in everyday conversation.
Typically not. Its standard use is critical, pointing out a logical or conceptual error of treating an abstraction as a concrete thing.
The noun is 'reification' (/ˌriː.ɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/).
'Objectify' often means to treat a person as a mere object, especially in a sexual context. 'Reify' is broader and more abstract, referring to treating any abstract concept (like 'society,' 'the mind') as a concrete object, often in philosophical discourse.
to treat an abstract idea, concept, or quality as if it were a real, concrete, physical object or thing.
Reify is usually formal, academic in register.
Reify: in British English it is pronounced /ˈriː.ɪ.faɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈriː.ə.faɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Reification is the fallacy of misplaced concreteness.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Make it REAL-ify.' You take an idea and wrongly pretend it's a REAL thing.
Conceptual Metaphor
ABSTRACT IDEAS ARE OBJECTS / CONCEPTS ARE SOLID ENTITIES
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'reify' used correctly?