typify

American

[tip-uh-fahy] / ˈtɪp əˌfaɪ /

verb (used with object)

typified, typifying

to serve as a typical example of; exemplify.
to serve as a symbol or emblem of; symbolize; prefigure.
to represent by a type or symbol.

typify British

/ ˈtɪpɪˌfaɪ /

verb

to be typical of; characterize
to symbolize or represent completely, by or as if by a type

"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

Other Word Forms

typification noun
typifier noun

Etymology

Origin of typify

1625–35; < Latin typ ( us ) type + -ify

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.

It’s co-hosted by British multihyphenate producer and entrepreneur Charles Finch, who presides over the affair with the charm and graciousness that typifies the best hosts.

From Los Angeles Times

The hosts were not neglecting their defensive work, typified by a thunderous James Botham tackle.

From BBC

Few typified that effort quite like the fearless Lewis Hall.

From BBC

And Monday - the 10th day of an operation that has rattled allies and shaken markets - typified this confusion around the war's timeline and ultimate goals.

From BBC

Kwiyup typifies a new class of self-styled entrepreneurs who might traditionally be called freelancers and side hustlers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023