epitome
Americannoun
-
epitomes
plural
-
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
-
a condensed account, especially of a literary work; abstract.
noun
-
a typical example of a characteristic or class; embodiment; personification
he is the epitome of sloth
-
a summary of a written work; abstract
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of epitome
First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin epitomē “abridgment,” from Greek epitomḗ “abridgment, surface incision,” equivalent to epi- + -tome
Explanation
If you're talking about a typical example of something, call it the epitome. The cartoon character Garfield is the epitome of the lazy, food-obsessed cat. Coming to us from Greek through Latin, epitome refers to something that is the ultimate representative of its class. Are you the epitome of the hard-working student or do you believe in study in moderation? Make sure you pronounce epitome with the accent on the second syllable (uh-PIH-tuh-mee).
Vocabulary lists containing epitome
100 Words to Make You Sound Smart
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
100 SAT Words Beginning with "E"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Sapiens
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
See Examples For:
“It’s the epitome of iron sharpens iron,” Adams said when asked about McDuffie.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 9, 2026
We will miss him, and he truly is the epitome of an amazing neighbor.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 6, 2026
For many, Aaron Copland’s ballets are the epitome of “American music.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 30, 2026
Meanwhile, the primary suite is the epitome of luxury, featuring a private sitting area, steam shower, and balcony overlooking the picturesque grounds.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 23, 2026
Mom in a rush is not the epitome of patience.
From "Sparrow" by Sarah Moon
These are not the complex epitomes that show the extent of a wine’s potential.
From New York Times ● Apr. 2, 2020
To present its hippest neighborhoods as epitomes of a cosmopolitanism that hasn’t turned its back on tradition.
From The Guardian ● Jan. 25, 2017
I think that is especially apropos for this epoch in our country and I hope everyone votes for whom they think epitomes that sentiment--regardless of political party of affiliation.
From New York Times ● Apr. 19, 2016
Sometimes the very men who became epitomes of chivalric virtue turned away from its presumptions in disgust.
From The Guardian ● Jul. 22, 2011
Nearly one hundred years ago, therefore, he discovered and developed the principle which is now one of the most popular epitomes of social science.
From The Catholic World; Volume I, Issues 1-6 A Monthly Eclectic Magazine by E. Rameur
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.
