exemplar

Archaic, ex·am·plar

[ig-zem-pler, -plahr]

noun

1. a model or pattern to be copied or imitated.

   Washington is the exemplar of patriotic virtue.

2. a typical example or instance.

3. an original or archetype.

   Plato thought nature but a copy of ideal exemplars.

4. a copy of a book or text.

exemplar

/ -plɑː, ɪɡˈzɛmplə /

noun

1. a person or thing to be copied or imitated; model

2. a typical specimen or instance; example

3. a copy of a book or text on which further printings have been based

Word History and Origins

Origin of exemplar¹

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; exemplary

Word History and Origins

Origin of exemplar¹

C14: from Latin exemplarium model, from exemplum _example

Example Sentences

But there’s another European fascist leader of the last century who’s been hovering in the background all this time as a noteworthy exemplar.

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Overall, “Gutfeld!” succeeds by existing, fulfilling its mission of winding down the anti-left animosity ginned up by Fox News’ prime-time hosts by ridiculing the people or groups he views as its exemplars.

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But it’s better about presenting Hemsworth as an example, not the exemplar, of what functional fitness can look like.

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He sees this plant as the exemplar of America First, and the preservation of economic and military superiority over China.

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He added: "I think we absolutely need people to be exemplars of the BBC values and follow our social media policy. It's as simple as that."

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Related Words

• epitome 
• paragon