Skip to main content

epitomizeto be a perfect example of something; to represent in typical fashion

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to be a perfect example of something; to represent in typical fashion

Pronunciation (IPA): /ɪˈpɪtəmaɪz/

Example Sentences

  • My cat epitomizes laziness - it sleeps 20 hours a day and judges me for being productive.
  • This restaurant epitomizes fine dining with its exquisite cuisine and elegant atmosphere.
  • His messy desk epitomizes the phrase 'organized chaos' - somehow he finds everything instantly.

epitomize

VERB

[/ɪˈpɪtəmaɪz/]

to be a perfect example of something; to represent in typical fashion

The samurai's calm bow epitomizes true honor before the duel begins.
💡 Concept

The samurai's calm bow epitomizes true honor before the duel begins.

This simple bowl does epitomize all flavors that comprise cuisine - what a surprise!
🎵 Rhyme

This simple bowl does epitomize all flavors that comprise cuisine - what a surprise!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ɪˈpɪtəmaɪz/
🇬🇧 UK/ɪˈpɪtəmaɪz/

🌳Etymology

Prefixepi--
Roottom
Suffix--ize

Origin

From Greek 'epitome' meaning 'summary' or 'abridgment', derived from 'epi-' (upon) and 'tome' (cutting, section). The verb form developed in English to mean 'to serve as a perfect example of'.

Breakdown

epi- (upon) + tome (cut/section) + -ize (make/cause to be) = epitomize

🎵Rhyme

comprisedevisesurprise
comprise
devise
surprise

🔗Collocations

epitomize excellence
epitomize the spirit of
perfectly epitomize
epitomize success
epitomize the era

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

My cat epitomizes laziness - it sleeps 20 hours a day and judges me for being productive.

This restaurant epitomizes fine dining with its exquisite cuisine and elegant atmosphere.

😄 Fun example

His messy desk epitomizes the phrase 'organized chaos' - somehow he finds everything instantly.

The company's commitment to sustainability epitomizes modern corporate responsibility.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

embodyrepresentexemplifytypifypersonify

Antonyms

contradictopposemisrepresent

Related

epitome典型prototypearchetypequintessence

Want to master 19,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.