typify

[ tip-uh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, typ·i·fied, typ·i·fy·ing.

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

typify

/ ˈtɪpɪˌfaɪ /

verb

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

Derived Forms

• ˌtypifiˈcation, noun
• ˈtypiˌfier, noun

Other Words From

• typi·fi·cation noun
• typi·fier noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of typify¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of typify¹

C17: from Latin typus type + -ify

Example Sentences

Thursday Kitchen and Mokyo, two “modern Korean” sister restaurants run by Kay Hyun in the East Village, seem to typify the experimental, globalized model of Korean cuisine, furnishing traditional Korean dishes with Western ingredients, or the other way around.

From Salon

Thursday Kitchen and Mokyo, two “modern Korean” sister restaurants run by Kay Hyun in the East Village, seem to typify the experimental, globalized model of Korean cuisine, furnishing traditional Korean dishes with Western ingredients, or the other way around.

From Salon

Western analysts say the latest comments typify a pattern that has taken hold since Putin’s February 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine — that is, any perceived Western escalation is met with Kremlin threats of a nuclear nature, meant to raise the specter of all-out war between Russia and the U.S.-led coalition aiding Ukraine.

From Los Angeles Times

In the last month, the Irvine City Council has focused on the mundane, everyday decisions that typify local government.

From Los Angeles Times

On the second series, Smith tripped over Charbonnet’s foot as he dropped back to pass and was touched down at the 1-yard-line, a play that seemed to typify the Seahawks’ ineptness in the first half.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• embody
• epitomize
• exemplify
• illustrate
• mirror
• personify
• sum up
• symbolize