exemplify

verb

ex·​em·​pli·​fy ig-ˈzem-plə-ˌfī How to pronounce exemplify (audio)
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

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 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'exemplify.' 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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of exemplify was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near exemplify

Cite this Entry

“Exemplify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exemplify. Accessed 30 Nov. 2023.

Kids Definition

exemplify

verb
ex·​em·​pli·​fy ig-ˈzem-plə-ˌfī How to pronounce exemplify (audio)
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

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