English Reference
Verb

exemplify

v.
C1 Advanced US /ɪɡˈzɛmpɫəˌfaɪ/ UK /ɛɡzˈɛmplɪfˌaɪ/ ex·em·pli·fy UK spelling exemplified, exemplifies, exemplifying

v.to be a perfect example of something. You use this when you want to say that someone or something shows the best qualities of a group or idea.

v.to serve as a typical or representative example of a quality, belief, or type. Transitive — requires a direct object.


SIMPLE

The young athlete exemplifies the spirit of the team.

CONTEXTUAL

This new law exemplifies the government's commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development.

COMPLEX

While many architects focus on aesthetics, this particular building exemplifies the perfect balance between functional design and historical preservation.

The Financial Times went so far as to call Webber a “romantic, operatic composer,” a description that reflects the cultural debate that Phantom embodied and exemplified.

JSTOR Daily· 20 Aug 2026

This was exemplified by tireless high pressing, and a trademark sliding tackle that hooked the ball from any defender unwise enough to prevaricate on the ball.

The Guardian· 7 Aug 2026

From Medieval Latin exemplificare, from Latin exemplum (“example”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin exemplum
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated