noun
avatar
AV-uh-tahr/ˈævətɑːr/
A visible embodiment or representation of an entity.
The woman's digital avatar matches her glasses, hairstyle, and green shirt.
Etymology
Sanskrit avataraṇa described a deity’s descent into tangible form. The later sense of a concrete embodiment connects that religious image to a digital character or image standing for a person online.
In context
each employee chooses an avatar character that pops up alongside digital communication channels
More examples
- She designed an avatar to represent her in the online game.
- Critics hailed the reformer as an avatar of a new political movement.
- Players can choose from several different avatars.
Forms
avatar · avatars
Similar words
- embodiment
- Emphasizes a concrete expression of an idea or quality.
- representation
- Is broader and need not take a personal or embodied form.