# epitomize

/ɪˈpɪtəˌmaɪz/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/epitomize
Updated: 2026-09-29

## Definition

to be a perfect example of a quality or a type of thing. When something shows all the typical features of a style or group, it does this.

For teachers: to serve as a perfect or typical example of a particular quality, concept, or class.

## Examples

- These clean streets epitomize the city's charm.
- The historic hotel's architecture and excellent service epitomize the luxury of a bygone era.
- Her early novels epitomize the literary movement of the decade, blending sharp social commentary with a deeply intimate narrative style that influenced a generation of writers.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and requires a direct object.

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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.