exemplify

American  

[ig-zem-pluh-fahy] / ɪgˈzɛm pləˌfaɪ /

verb (used with object)

exemplified, exemplifying

1. to show or illustrate by example.

2. to furnish or serve as an example of.

   The plays of Wilde exemplify the comedy of manners.

   Synonyms:

   embody , depict , epitomize , typify

3. Law.  to transcribe or copy; make an attested copy of (a document) under seal.

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exemplify British  

/ ɪɡˈzɛmplɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to show by example

2. to serve as an example of

3. law

   1. to make an official copy of (a document from public records) under seal

   2. to transcribe (a legal document)

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Other Word Forms

• exemplifiable adjective
• exemplification noun
• exemplificative adjective
• exemplifier noun

Etymology

Origin of exemplify

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English exemplifien, from Middle French exemplifier, from Medieval Latin exemplificāre “to copy”; See exemplum, -ify

Example Sentences

It is exemplified by the results of this season, where 11 different men have won the first 11 events.

From BBC

The quartet in question exemplified a force for good that’s too often overlooked: the power of family.

From The Wall Street Journal

The simplicity with which the goal was created exemplified Forest's excellence and Liverpool's lack of heart and intensity.

From BBC

“He exemplifies profound paternal investment, fostering their potential amid global challenges, surpassing most historical figures in active involvement despite scale,” the AI chatbot wrote.

From Salon

What they found, Sewill said, suggested the trust was so bereft of cash flow and staff that the day-to-day oversight of its buildings was breaking down, a condition exemplified by the Sanborn.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• demonstrate
• depict
• elucidate
• embody
• epitomize
• illuminate
• illustrate
• manifest
• mirror
• personify
• represent
• spell out
• symbolize
• typify