epitome

noun

epit·​o·​me i-ˈpi-tə-mē How to pronounce epitome (audio)
1
: a typical or ideal example : embodiment
the British monarchy itself is the epitome of traditionRichard Joseph
2
a
: a summary of a written work
b
: a brief presentation or statement of something
3
: brief or miniature form
usually used with in
epitomic adjective
or epitomical

Did you know?

Epitome Has Greek Roots

Epitome first appeared in print in the early 16th century, when it was used to mean "summary." If someone asks you to summarize a long paper, you effectively cut it up, mentioning only the most important ideas, and the etymology of epitome reflects this process: it comes from Greek epitemnein, meaning "to cut short." Your summary probably also presents all the key points of the original work, which may explain why epitome eventually came to be used for any person or object that is a clear or good example of an abstraction, as in "the epitome of grace" or "the epitome of health." We could go on and on... or could we?

Examples of epitome in a Sentence

Terns, nicknamed sea swallows by fishermen, are superb flying machines, the epitome of beauty on the wing. E. Vernon Laux, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2001
Manchester, then known as 'Cottonopolis' and perceived throughout the world as the epitome of the whirling fierceness of the industrial revolution.  … Roy Jenkins, Gladstone, (1995) 1997
Hamilton thought the bank was a fait accompli, but he had not reckoned on Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Jefferson, the lover of rural virtues, had a deep, almost visceral hatred of banks, the epitome of all that was urban. John Steele Gordon, American Heritage, July/August 1990
I didn't tell him that, at the time, I thought the place to be the epitome of bourgeois comfort; in those days I thought that there was some connection between creative talent and penury. Ishmael Reed, "August Wilson," 1987, in Writin' Is Fightin'1988
the golden rule is often cited as the epitome of moral conduct: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” the prestigious prep school prides itself on being widely regarded as the epitome of tradition and old-fashioned values
Recent Examples on the Web With only 150 pieces available worldwide, this rare MCM Parfum is the epitome of an exclusive holiday gift. Kasey Caminiti, USA TODAY, 23 Oct. 2024 No movie leaving Netflix this month triggers my nostalgia more than Save the Last Dance, which, in my mind, is the epitome of 2000s-era teen dramas. Travis Bean, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024 Currently 20 percent off in select colors, these joggers are the epitome of comfort, style, and versatility. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 8 Oct. 2024 Wrap yourself in the epitome of coziness and style with this Remikstyt Chunky Cardigan that is your next go-to wardrobe staple as the seasons change. Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for epitome 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'epitome.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek epitomē, from epitemnein to cut short, from epi- + temnein to cut — more at tome

First Known Use

1520, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of epitome was in 1520

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Dictionary Entries Near epitome

Cite this Entry

“Epitome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epitome. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

epitome

noun
epit·​o·​me i-ˈpit-ə-mē How to pronounce epitome (audio)
1
a
: a summary of a written work
b
: a brief statement of the main points or facts
2
: something thought to represent a basic quality or an ideal example
your response was the epitome of good sense

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