definitions

exemplify

[ ig-zem-pluh-fahy ]
/ ɪgˈzɛm pləˌfaɪ /
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verb (used with object), ex·em·pli·fied, ex·em·pli·fy·ing.

to show or illustrate by example.
to furnish or serve as an example of: The plays of Wilde exemplify the comedy of manners.
Law. to transcribe or copy; make an attested copy of (a document) under seal.

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RELATED WORDS

represent, depict, illuminate, elucidate, mirror, manifest, typify, personify, epitomize, embody, demonstrate, symbolize, illustrate, body, exhibit, show, quote, evidence, instance, display

Nearby words

exemplary damages, exempli causa, exempli gratia, exemplification, exemplificative, exemplify, exemplum, exempt, exempt carrier, exemption, exencephaly

Origin of exemplify

1375–1425; late Middle English exemplifien < Middle French exemplifier < Medieval Latin exemplificāre to copy. See exemplum, -ify
Related formsex·em·pli·fi·a·ble, adjectiveex·em·pli·fi·er, nounwell-ex·em·pli·fied, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for exemplify

British Dictionary definitions for exemplify

exemplify

/ (ɪɡˈzɛmplɪˌfaɪ) /

verb -fies, -fying or -fied (tr)

to show by example
to serve as an example of
law
  1. to make an official copy of (a document from public records) under seal
  2. to transcribe (a legal document)
Derived Formsexemplifiable, adjectiveexemplification, nounexemplificative, adjectiveexemplifier, noun

Word Origin for exemplify

C15: via Old French from Medieval Latin exemplificāre, from Latin exemplum example + facere to make
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

Word Origin and History for exemplify

exemplify

v.

early 15c., "to illustrate by examples, to instruct by (good) example," from Medieval Latin exemplificare "to illustrate," from Latin exemplum (see example). Meaning "to serve as an example" is recorded from 1793. Related: Exemplified; exemplifies; exemplifying.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper