epitomize

[ ih-pit-uh-mahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, e·pit·o·mized, e·pit·o·miz·ing.

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 Words From

• 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

His monologues resound with right-wing rants and epitomize toxic masculinity in a character he calls Alpha Male.

From Los Angeles Times

Both are trailblazing politicians, mixed-raced children with unusual names, whose biographies epitomize the nation’s changing face.

From Los Angeles Times

Because presidents epitomize American notions of manhood, elections reveal what kind of man, what type and degree of masculinity, is most respected and deserving of power.

From Salon

In what is one of the more wide-open playoffs in recent Major League Baseball history, the Dodgers epitomize the relative state of parity.

From Los Angeles Times

To epitomize the debate's overall dynamics when it came to climate change discussion, Mann pointed to a moment near the end when Harris said, "The former president had said that climate change is a hoax. And what we know is that it is very real."

From Salon

Related Words

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