reincarnation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2-C1Formal/Academic
Quick answer
What does “reincarnation” mean?
The religious or philosophical concept that after death, a soul is reborn into a new body.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The religious or philosophical concept that after death, a soul is reborn into a new body.
The revival or rebirth of an idea, trend, or character in a new form or context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; the word is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Similar connotations related to spirituality and rebirth; slightly more common in discussions influenced by Eastern philosophies in both regions.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both British and American English, with occasional use in popular culture and academic texts.
Grammar
How to Use “reincarnation” in a Sentence
noun + of (e.g., reincarnation of a deity)verb + in (e.g., believe in reincarnation)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reincarnation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Some believe that souls reincarnate multiple times to learn lessons.
- He felt he might reincarnate as an animal in his next life.
American English
- She thinks people reincarnate based on their karma.
- The character is said to reincarnate every century in the story.
adverb
British English
- The concept was interpreted reincarnately in the philosophical text.
- She spoke reincarnately about her beliefs in past lives.
American English
- He explained the theory reincarnately during the lecture.
- The story unfolded reincarnately, showing cycles of rebirth.
adjective
British English
- The reincarnated spirit sought peace in the new body.
- They discussed the reincarnated version of the ancient myth.
American English
- A reincarnated form of the artist's style emerged in modern work.
- He claimed to be a reincarnated soldier from a past war.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; occasionally used metaphorically for company rebranding or product revival (e.g., the reincarnation of a classic brand).
Academic
Common in religious studies, philosophy, anthropology, and comparative religion discussions.
Everyday
Used in conversations about spirituality, past lives, horoscopes, or in fiction and media.
Technical
Employed in theology, parapsychology, and esoteric studies to describe soul transmigration.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “reincarnation”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “reincarnation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reincarnation”
- Misspelling as 'reincarnacion' or 'reincarnition'
- Mispronunciation with stress on the first syllable (e.g., /ˈriːɪnkərneɪʃən/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, resurrection typically refers to coming back to life in the same body, often in Abrahamic religions, while reincarnation involves rebirth into a new body, common in Eastern traditions.
Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism incorporate reincarnation, along with some New Age and esoteric belief systems.
Reincarnation is generally considered a matter of faith and spirituality; while some parapsychological studies claim anecdotal evidence, it is not empirically verified by mainstream science.
Metaphorically, it describes the revival or return of ideas, trends, or characters, such as in fashion, technology, or storytelling (e.g., the reincarnation of a vintage style).
The religious or philosophical concept that after death, a soul is reborn into a new body.
Reincarnation is usually formal/academic in register.
Reincarnation: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːɪnkɑːˈneɪʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriːɪnkɑrˈneɪʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “cycle of rebirth”
- “eternal return”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Break it down: RE- (again) + INCARNATION (embodiment in flesh) = being embodied again, like a soul entering a new body.
Conceptual Metaphor
Life is a cyclical journey; death is not an end but a transition to a new beginning.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for the term 'reincarnation'?