exemplar
Americannoun
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a model or pattern to be copied or imitated.
Washington is the exemplar of patriotic virtue.
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a typical example or instance.
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an original or archetype.
Plato thought nature but a copy of ideal exemplars.
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a copy of a book or text.
noun
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a person or thing to be copied or imitated; model
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a typical specimen or instance; example
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a copy of a book or text on which further printings have been based
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of exemplar
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin, variant of exemplāre, noun use of neuter of exemplāris “relating or pertaining to a model or pattern,” replacing Middle English exaumplere, from Middle French examplaire, from Latin exemplāris; see exemplary
Explanation
A high school valedictorian is an exemplar of dedication and hard work. Most parents would love for their children to emulate a student with such excellent grades. Notice the similarity between the words exemplar and example. This word can mean both “perfect example” and “typical example.” A fireman can be an exemplar of courage, and a building can be an exemplar of the architecture from a certain period.
Vocabulary lists containing exemplar
This Week in Words: October 28 - November 2, 2018
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Vocabulary from "John L. O'Sullivan on 'Manifest Destiny' " from 1839
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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.
Blackstone is investing in Energy Exemplar through its energy transition arm, which is in the process of raising a new fund.
From Reuters • Oct. 31, 2023
Exemplar theory suggests that role models affect values and behaviours in ways that may be less conscious but more impactful than telling people what to do.
From Salon • Mar. 9, 2022
It’s the same address Marston gives as headquarters for his firm Exemplar Law, which he started in 2005 just after graduating from law school.
From Washington Post • Mar. 4, 2022
Of all the venues here, National Exemplar best recalls the gallery world of yore.
From New York Times • Apr. 16, 2015
Such was the holy, heavenly zeal of our Great Exemplar!
From The Mind of Jesus by Macduff, John R. (John Ross)
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.
