Which verb in English means "to be the embodiment or perfect example of a particular quality or idea"?

Introduction / Context:
This question asks you to choose the verb that best matches the definition be the embodiment or perfect example of. Such questions focus on subtle differences between verbs like signify, personify, and characterise. Knowing which one is used in standard English when we say that someone is the perfect example of a quality is essential for vocabulary based exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The definition in the stem is: be the embodiment or perfect example of a quality, idea, or type.
• Option A: Signify.
• Option B: Personify.
• Option C: Characterise.
• Option D: Idol.
• We assume standard modern English dictionary meanings.

Concept / Approach:
The verb personify is used when we say that a person or thing embodies a particular quality. For example, She personifies kindness means she is the perfect example of kindness. Signify means to mean or to represent, not necessarily to be a living embodiment. Characterise means to describe the special qualities of something. Idol is a noun meaning an object of worship or a greatly admired person, not a verb. Therefore, personify is the precise verb that fits the definition in the question.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the key idea in the definition: be the embodiment or perfect example of a quality.Step 2: Recall typical usage: We say She personifies courage or He personifies dedication, meaning they are ideal examples of these traits.Step 3: Check signify: this is used when something stands for or indicates something else, as in Red often signifies danger; it is about meaning, not about embodying a quality in a person.Step 4: Check characterise: this verb is used when we say What characterises him is his honesty, meaning What marks him out is honesty, but this is different from being the perfect example of honesty itself.Step 5: Check idol: idol is a noun, not a verb, and so cannot grammatically fit the given definition as it is written. Therefore, personify is the only verb that exactly matches the given meaning.

Verification / Alternative check:
Insert each option into a sample sentence: She ______ patience. Only She personifies patience sounds natural and closely matches the idea that her whole behaviour is a model of patience. She signifies patience is odd; patience is usually not something that is signified by a single person. She characterises patience is ungrammatical. She idol patience is also grammatically wrong. The test confirms that personify is the correct verb to express embodiment.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Signify deals with meaning or indication, not living embodiment. Characterise is closer, but it describes qualities rather than turning a person into a perfect example of them. Idol is not a verb in normal usage and even as a noun refers to an object or person of worship, not the act of embodying. None of these words gives the precise sense the question is targeting.

Common Pitfalls:
The most common confusion is between signify and personify because both relate to representation. A quick memory trick: personify is linked to person; it usually talks about a person showing a quality so strongly that they almost become that quality. Signify is about signs and symbols. Keeping that difference clear in your mind will help you choose correctly in similar questions.

Final Answer:
The verb that means to be the embodiment or perfect example of a quality or idea is Personify, so option B is correct.