English vocabulary · C1
Epitomize
/ɪˈpɪt̬.ə.maɪz/ · v.
To epitomize an idea is to be its clearest example. That example helps people see the whole.
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Example sentences
- Her rescue epitomized courage.
- His dance epitomized joy.
Word origin and roots
from Greek
- epitom — summary (from Greek)
Synonyms and nuances
- TYPIFY — be a usual example (Show A Common Kind)
- EMBODY — give an idea a form (Show An Idea Fully)
- REPRESENT — show what a group is like (Stand For A Group)
Similar words
- typify
- embody
- represent
- exemplify
- symbolize
Lesson notes
To epitomize an idea is to be its clearest example. That example helps people see the whole.
Related: typify, embody, represent. Use epitomize when one shows the whole.
Her rescue epitomized courage. His dance epitomized joy.
From Greek. Epitom- means summary. One summary can show all at once. That is to epitomize.