# epitome

/ɪˈpɪtəmi/ (US) · /ɪpˈɪtəmˌi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/epitome
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. perfect example

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a person or thing that is the best possible example of a quality or style.

For teachers: the embodiment or quintessential example of a particular quality, class, or type.

- The hotel was the epitome of luxury, with gold mirrors and silk sheets.
- The designer's latest collection was hailed as the epitome of understated elegance, avoiding the loud logos common in modern fashion.

Usage: Typically used in the singular with the definite article 'the' followed by 'of' and a noun.

Teaching tip: Learners often mispronounce this word; remind them it has four syllables (eh-PIT-uh-mee) and the final 'e' is not silent.

### 2. a summary

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Archaic

a short summary of a much longer book or piece of writing.

For teachers: a brief summary or abstract of a literary work or text.

- The student provided a short epitome of the long historical document.
- The library contains several medieval epitomes of classical Greek texts that would otherwise have been lost to history.

Teaching tip: This sense is rare in modern conversation and is mostly found in academic or historical contexts regarding literature.

## Examples

- She is the epitome of elegance and grace.
- The historic hotel is considered the epitome of luxury, featuring gold-leaf ceilings and world-class service.
- The architect's latest skyscraper is often cited as the epitome of modern minimalism, stripping away all unnecessary ornamentation to focus on pure geometric form.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.