typify

[ tip-uh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, typ·i·fied, typ·i·fy·ing.

1. to serve as a typical example of; exemplify.
2. to serve as a symbol or emblem of; symbolize; prefigure.
3. to represent by a type or symbol.

typify

/ ˈtɪpɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to be typical of; characterize
2. to symbolize or represent completely, by or as if by a type

Derived Forms

• ˌtypifiˈcation, noun
• ˈtypiˌfier, noun

Other Words From

• typi·fi·cation noun
• typi·fier noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of typify¹

1625–35; < Latin typ ( us ) type + -ify

Word History and Origins

Origin of typify¹

C17: from Latin typus type + -ify

Example Sentences

His hero, Gulliver, discovers race after race of beings who typify the genera in his classification of mankind.

From Project Gutenberg

It has long been the custom for advertisers in the continental journals to typify their wares.

From Project Gutenberg

Therefore, when you fight for us you fight not only for yourself, but for everything you typify.

From Project Gutenberg

While men may not have intended to typify anything in the case, God did.

From Project Gutenberg

The fair, handsome youth, wrapped now in the blankets, seemed to him to typify all the Austrian qualities.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• embody
• epitomize
• exemplify
• illustrate
• mirror
• personify
• sum up
• symbolize