epitome
Americannoun
-
a person or thing that is typical of or possesses to a high degree the features of a whole class.
He is the epitome of goodness.
- Synonyms:
- quintessence, typification, model, exemplification, embodiment
-
a condensed account, especially of a literary work; abstract.
noun
-
a typical example of a characteristic or class; embodiment; personification
he is the epitome of sloth
-
a summary of a written work; abstract
Other Word Forms
- epitomic adjective
- epitomical adjective
Etymology
Origin of epitome
First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin epitomē “abridgment,” from Greek epitomḗ “abridgment, surface incision,” equivalent to epi- + -tome
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The property is the epitome of privacy as it is surrounded by lush landscaping, offering the star the perfect hideaway from the spotlight.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 18, 2026
Buss's daughter, current Lakers governor Jeanie Buss, called him "a guardian angel for this franchise" and "the epitome of an era."
From Barron's • Feb. 23, 2026
To him, the ribbed vault and flying buttress were the epitome of rational construction.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 18, 2026
For decades, Hollywood helped sell the LAPD’s nationwide image as the epitome of professional law enforcement with shows such as “Dragnet,” “Adam-12” and “T.J. Hooker.”
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 2026
He is the epitome of southern gentleman in his creased khakis, plaid pearl-snap shirt, and brown boots.
From "Dumplin'" by Julie Murphy
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
