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 Audrey exemplifies leadership in every facet of her involvement at Guerin Catholic. Joe Mutascio, The Indianapolis Star, 11 Mar. 2024 Fashion at that time celebrated the most elite forms of beauty, these long-limbed, superhuman beings who exemplified glamour. Jason Sheeler, Peoplemag, 5 Mar. 2024 However, because eating patterns in most of these countries became more globalized during the 20th century, scientists later specified that the regions that best exemplify the traditional Atlantic diet to this day are Portugal and the Galicia region of Spain. Christian Mysliwiec, Fox News, 5 Mar. 2024 This award is given to members of the community who exemplify advancements in drug prevention and education. Annika Bahnsen, Orange County Register, 2 Mar. 2024 These human-centric applications of AI exemplify generative empathy in action: harnessing data to deeply grasp contexts, emotions, and needs, then crafting bespoke solutions. Gillian Oakenfull, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Silk brocade stays from around 1750 exemplify the bow’s functional origin as an easily undoable knot to secure a piece of clothing, while ​​a Pepto pink Comme des Garçons dress from 2007 displays its decorative potential with a pair of padded bows embedded into its front bodice and right hip. John Wogan Juliet Izon Gisela Williams Lindsey Tramuta Julia Halperin Jameson Montgomery, New York Times, 29 Feb. 2024 Contributor Among thought leaders and motivational speakers, Natasha Graziano exemplifies perseverance, self-awareness, and steadfast resolve. Svetlana Khachiyan, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2024 The rapid market crash and recovery of 2020 exemplify the pitfalls of recency bias. Dan Irvine, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024

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 18 Mar. 2024.

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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