epitome

[ih-pit-uh-mee]

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.

epitome

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• epitomical adjective
• epitomic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of epitome¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin epitomē “abridgment,” from Greek epitomḗ “abridgment, surface incision,” equivalent to epi- + -tome

Word History and Origins

Origin of epitome¹

C16: via Latin from Greek epitomē, from epitemnein to abridge, from _epi- + temnein to cut

Example Sentences

He had been, as Mr. Maisel characterizes the undergraduate Leahy, “the epitome of a run-of-the-mill football player,” but that was the last time he was anything but the driving force behind every group he joined.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Supermodel Naomi Campbell looked the epitome of chic in a monochrome outfit, paired with oversized sunglasses that only an A-lister can get away with.

Read more on BBC

Piastri has been the epitome of solidity this season, but in Baku it was like a different driver was in the car.

Read more on BBC

“India is in many ways the epitome of the ‘realpolitik state’ in today’s world, meaning it has no permanent friends or enemies, only interests.

Read more on Salon

Its Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh described it as "the epitome of psychological, moral and physical terrorism."

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• apotheosis 
• embodiment 
• essence 
• exemplar 
• personification