epitome

[ ih-pit-uh-mee ]

noun

1. 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: typification, quintessence, model, exemplification, embodiment

2. a condensed account, especially of a literary work; abstract.

epitome

/ ɪˈpɪtəmɪ; ˌɛpɪˈtɒmɪkəl /

noun

1. a typical example of a characteristic or class; embodiment; personification

   he is the epitome of sloth

2. a summary of a written work; abstract

Derived Forms

• epitomical, adjective

Other Words From

• ep·i·tom·i·cal [ep-i-, tom, -i-k, uh, l], epi·tomic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of epitome¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin epitomē “abridgment,” from Greek epitomḗ “abridgment, surface incision,” equivalent to epi- + -tome

Word History and Origins

Origin of epitome¹

C16: via Latin from Greek epitomē, from epitemnein to abridge, from epi- + temnein to cut

Example Sentences

“If I could ever sell out a comedy club one time ever, that’s the epitome of what I think a comedian probably could be,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

“Tonight was basically the epitome of our season,” veteran third baseman Max Muncy said.

From Los Angeles Times

This year has been the epitome of why the sport has been struggling.

From Los Angeles Times

Chalamet — who was previously declared a “Cinnamon Roll Man” and the internet's favorite “white boy of the month” — is the epitome of Gen Z cool and continues to be the generation’s favorite heartthrob.

From Salon

Behind the hate, the xenophobia, the racism, the promises of retribution and the eerie echoes of the 1939 Nazi rally at the Garden, the event was the epitome of Trump’s version of politics as entertainment.

From Salon

Related Words

• apotheosis
• embodiment
• essence
• exemplar
• personification