epitomize

[ ih-pit-uh-mahyz ]

verb (used with object)

epitomized, epitomizing.

1. to contain or represent in small compass; serve as a typical example of; typify:

   This meadow epitomizes the beauty of the whole area.

2. to make an epitome of:

   to epitomize an argument.

epitomize

/ ɪˈpɪtəˌmaɪz /

verb

1. to be a personification of; typify
2. to make an epitome of

Derived Forms

• eˈpitomist, noun
• eˈpitoˌmizer, noun
• eˌpitomiˈzation, noun

Other Word Forms

• e·pito·mi·zation noun
• e·pito·mizer noun
• une·pito·mized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of epitomize¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; epitom(e) + -ize

Example Sentences

Or worse, they dabbled in a spectacle of degradation—raunch culture epitomized by "Girls Gone Wild"—that was bizarrely packaged as liberation.

From Salon

This image epitomizes the best of college basketball.

From Los Angeles Times

His casual style epitomizes the intersection of narcissism and linguistics.

From Salon

Historically, addresses in these revered settings sought to strike a tone of unity and cohesiveness among Americans, epitomized by President Reagan’s remarks in such locales.

From Los Angeles Times

Osborn, who mentioned during the campaign that he didn’t own a suit, alluded to the idea that Trump and the billionaires around him epitomize corporate America’s hold on politics.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• characterize
• embody
• exemplify
• illustrate
• personify
• represent
• stand for
• symbolize