epitome

American  

[ih-pit-uh-mee] / ɪˈpɪt ə mi /

noun

1. 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

2. a condensed account, especially of a literary work; abstract.

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epitome British  

/ ɪˈpɪtəmɪ, ˌɛpɪˈtɒmɪkəl /

noun

1. a typical example of a characteristic or class; embodiment; personification

   he is the epitome of sloth

2. a summary of a written work; abstract

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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

The Renaissance revived themis and unleashed the scientific revolution as the epitome of techne; the Protestant Reformation made the nation-state and democracy the vehicles of both.

From The Wall Street Journal

The master bathroom is the epitome of elegance as it boasts marble countertop vanities, a large soaking tub, and a glass-enclosed shower.

From MarketWatch

He told the judge that the defendant was "the epitome of remorseful".

From BBC

When Thorne first read the book, lead character Jack, instigator of hunts on the island, was the "epitome of evil".

From BBC

This was the era of the sentimental “parlor song,” of which the British song “The Lost Chord” is the sophisticated epitome.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• apotheosis
• embodiment
• essence
• exemplar
• personification