exemplify

verb

ex·​em·​pli·​fy ig-ˈzem-plə-ˌfī 

exemplified; exemplifying

transitive verb

1

: to show or illustrate by example

anecdotes exemplifying those virtues

2

: to make an attested copy or transcript of (a document) under seal

3

a

: to be an instance of or serve as an example : embody

she exemplifies the qualities of a good leader

b

: to be typical of

a dish that exemplifies French cuisine

Synonyms

• demonstrate
• illustrate
• instance

Examples of exemplify in a Sentence

His works exemplify the taste of the period.

The city's economic growth is exemplified by the many new buildings that are currently under construction.

Recent Examples on the Web

Founded by late Times critic Jonathan Gold, the 101 was created as a quintessential guide to the places that exemplify Southern California food culture. —Los Angeles Times, 16 Nov. 2023

Open varieties include trays, dishes, and stands, while boxes, cases, and drawers exemplify closed options. —Kristen (kj) Callihan, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Nov. 2023

The company’s $9 billion valuation in an October 2021 deal — one of the biggest mergers by enterprise value at the time — exemplified the profligacy of a near-zero interest rate environment. —Bailey Lipschultz, Fortune, 7 Nov. 2023

Viewers will have the chance to vote in an online poll for the Finalist whose accomplishment, impact and story best exemplifies a CNN Hero. —CNN, 25 Oct. 2023

For Yearwood, the project's impact is exemplified in the people who get to reside in the new homes. —Alex Ross, Peoplemag, 18 Oct. 2023

Yet Trujillo also exemplified the ways that corrupt clients corrupt Washington, too. —David D. Kirkpatrick, The New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2023

Pinto’s work with Rookie Wellness exemplifies the latter. —Christi Carras, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2023

Perhaps nothing better exemplifies the current predicament Disney faces rejuvenating its library of content than its latest live-action remake that seeks to transport its very first feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, into the present. —Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

Middle English exemplifien, from Anglo-French exemplifier, from Medieval Latin exemplificare, from Latin exemplum

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

exemplify

verb

ex·​em·​pli·​fy ig-ˈzem-plə-ˌfī 

exemplified; exemplifying

1

: to show by example

the story exemplifies the virtue of generosity

2

: to serve as an example of

she exemplifies a good leader

exemplification

-ˌzem-plə-fə-ˈkā-shən

noun