Word
exemplar
Phoneticsex·em·plar, stress on the second syllable
US/ɪɡˈzɛmpɫɑɹ/
UK/ɛɡzˈɛmplɐ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a person or thing that is a perfect example of a particular quality. You use this to describe something that others should try to copy because it is so good.
n. a person or thing serving as a typical example or an excellent model. Often implies a standard of perfection or a pattern to be imitated.
Examples
“She is an exemplar of hard work and dedication.”
“The new library is considered an exemplar of modern sustainable architecture, using very little energy for heating.”
“While many companies claim to be ethical, this firm remains the industry exemplar, consistently prioritising environmental protection over short-term profit margins.”
Examples
simple
“She is an exemplar of hard work and dedication.”
contextual
“The new library is considered an exemplar of modern sustainable architecture, using very little energy for heating.”
complex
“While many companies claim to be ethical, this firm remains the industry exemplar, consistently prioritising environmental protection over short-term profit margins.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “exemplar” in context.
Verb
01. exemplar illustrates
“This specific exemplar illustrates the complexity of the biological process.”
noun + verb
02. exemplar represents
“The chosen exemplar represents the highest standards of the profession.”
noun + verb
03. follow exemplar
“Younger artists often follow the exemplar set by the masters of the Renaissance.”
verb + noun
04. identify exemplar
“Researchers identified several exemplars of the species in the remote valley.”
verb + noun
05. provide exemplar
“The teacher provided an exemplar to show students what a top-grade essay looks like.”
verb + noun
Adjective
06. classic exemplar
“This case study serves as a classic exemplar of successful crisis management.”
adj + noun
07. perfect exemplar
“The building is a perfect exemplar of mid-century modern architecture.”
adj + noun
08. prime exemplar
“The novel is considered a prime exemplar of the Gothic genre.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. exemplar of style
“The designer's latest collection is a true exemplar of minimalist style.”
noun + prep + noun
10. exemplar of virtue
“In the biography, he is portrayed as an exemplar of virtue and integrity.”
noun + prep + noun
11. regard as an exemplar
“The company is widely regarded as an exemplar of ethical business practices.”
12. serve as an exemplar
“Her career should serve as an exemplar for all aspiring scientists.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'of'.
Real-World Examples
“Once an exemplar of Silicon Valley success, the company has fallen behind competitors as a chip manufacturer and designer.” “He was more than just the first African American to win an Academy Award for best actor, for his performance in the 1963 film “Lilies of the Field”; he and his lifelong best friend, Harry Belafonte, were also the exemplars of the artist-as-activist model, both risking not only their careers but their lives, at the height of their celebrity, for the cause of civil rights.” “For example, most people demonstrate care and compassion at times and with some level of sincerity, but care exemplars exhibit this characteristic more consistently and more intensely then more typical individuals.” “Often times, those messages incorporate exemplars, emotionally evocative representations of a large idea (e.g., Zillmann, 2006).” Etymology
From the Latin exemplar, derived from the Latin exemplum, meaning an example. It entered the language as a doublet of exemplary.
The term enters English from the French exemplaire, which in turn derives from the Latin exemplāris. By surface analysis, the word is a compound of example and the suffix -ar.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/exemplar