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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.


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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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 many bathrooms are the epitome of luxury as one of them comes complete with a marble shower, with jets, a large soaking tub, and a wooden vanity.

From MarketWatch

Born in the 19th century, Brancusi made his career in 20th century Paris, his work the epitome of Modernist abstraction.

From Los Angeles Times

The most formidable figure in American sports history is standing where he grew up, where his team lives and where he forever will embody the epitome of the gutty Bruin.

From Los Angeles Times

In many ways, this match was the epitome of the gap between world's best Sinner, Alcaraz and the rest.

From BBC

“The long turn was the epitome of how hard the work could be for some workers,” says McCartin.

From The Wall Street Journal