WordValeepitome
a perfect example of a quality
In more detail
1. (noun) a person or thing that is a perfect example of something
2. (noun) a summary or shortened version of a book or piece of writing
Examples
- She is the epitome of elegance and grace.
- This chapter is an epitome of the entire novel's themes.
How to use epitome
Epitome is used to describe someone or something that perfectly represents or exemplifies a particular quality or category. The first meaning (perfect example) is far more common in modern English than the archaic second meaning (summary), and typically appears in phrases like 'the epitome of X' where X is a positive quality. It often carries an air of superlative excellence and is slightly more formal than synonyms like embodiment.
Common phrases
- the epitome of elegance
- the epitome of success
- the very epitome of
- epitome of grace
- epitome of style
Synonyms
paragon · embodiment · quintessence · archetype · ideal
Word family
epitomize (verb) · epitomized (adjective)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes mispronounce it as 'ep-i-tome' (with stress on the first syllable) when the correct stress is on the second syllable: 'e-PIT-o-me'.
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