exemplary
Americanadjective
-
worthy of imitation; commendable.
exemplary conduct.
- Synonyms:
- praiseworthy, noteworthy, laudable
-
serving as a warning.
an exemplary penalty.
-
serving as an illustration or specimen; illustrative; typical.
The sentences read are exemplary of the style of the essay as a whole.
-
serving as a model or pattern.
The authoritative and exemplary text of the work is in the Bodleian Library at Oxford University.
-
of, relating to, or composed of exempla, or examples or models.
the exemplary literature of the medieval period.
adjective
-
fit for imitation; model
an exemplary performance
-
serving as a warning; admonitory
an exemplary jail sentence
-
representative; typical
an action exemplary of his conduct
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of exemplary
First recorded in 1400–50, for the earlier sense “model, exemplar”; 1580–90 exemplary for def. 1; late Middle English (noun), from Latin exemplāris, from exempl(um) exemplum + -āris -ary
Explanation
Exemplary people excel at what they do and are excellent examples to others. Something exemplary is so good that it is an example for others to follow. When something is the best it can be or reaches the highest point, it is exemplary and thus worth imitating. Exemplary comes from the Latin exemplum, meaning "sample" or "example." While some people and things are held as examples of what not to do, an exemplary person or thing is always a positive example. A country can have an exemplary record of preventing pollution, and a person may have an exemplary reputation just for being all-around praiseworthy or noble.
Vocabulary lists containing exemplary
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Ghost
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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.
Exemplary proof of Del Toro’s pronouncement is “Unicorn Wars,” the hyper-grisly and philosophically rich second feature from Spanish illustrator and animator Alberto Vázquez.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2023
"Exemplary action under the law must be taken so that such fringe elements do not repeat it and create societal chaos and cause damage to the country's reputation," he said.
From BBC • Jun. 6, 2022
Exemplary, idiosyncratic female role models, like Turtle from The Westing Game or Rat from The Snarkout Boys & the Avocado of Death, were nowhere to be found.
From Slate • Dec. 2, 2014
Exemplary barbecue shrimp — sautéed in a dark and fiery cream that carries with it hints of lemon and Worcestershire sauce — introduce the restaurant’s abilities.
From New York Times • Apr. 28, 2010
Exemplary in behavior, pious and humble, he kissed the crucifix, which Monsieur Bonnet held to his lips with a trembling hand.
From The Village Rector by Wormeley, Katharine Prescott
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.
