Carnation and incarnation are two words that look as if they should be related, but they are not. We will examine the definitions of carnation and incarnation, where these two terms came from and some examples of their use in sentences.
A carnation is a type of flower in the Dianthus family. The carnation has been cultivated for over two thousand years, and comes in annual, perennial and biennial varieties. They are hardy and long-lasting flowers. The word carnation is most probably derived from the French word, carnation, meaning a person’s complexion, from the Latin word caro, meaning flesh.
Incarnation is someone who embodies an ideal, a trait, or certain characteristic, or someone who is a deity or spirit who is born into flesh. For instance, Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the incarnation of the Son of God. Incarnation may also refer to a certain body or lifetime when discussing reincarnation. In addition, incarnation is sometimes used figuratively to refer to a particular version of something, or a reinvention of something. The word incarnation is derived from the Latin word incarnari, which means made flesh. Related words are incarnate, incarnates, incarnated, incarnating.
Examples
Jasmine can also help reduce anxiety, insomnia and stress as do other flowers such as carnation and gardenia, according to Samreen. (The Economic Times)Katy wanders to another garden bed, plucks a petite marigold flower and nibbles it, followed in succession by dahlias, cornflowers, a tiny carnation, a seemingly endless floral salad, tempting the senses: sight, taste and smell. (The Weekly Times)In this latest incarnation of Anatevka, there are no stark trees onstage, no humble homes. (The New Jersey Jewish News)The menu has retained some items from its previous incarnation, including fish and shrimp tacos, but includes new additions such as king crab legs, soft-shelled crabs, lobster rolls, and a variety of oysters. (The East Hampton Star)