epitome

[ih-pit-uh-mee]

noun

1. a person or thing that is typical of or possesses to a high degree the features of a whole class.

   He is the epitome of goodness.

   Synonyms: quintessence, typification, model, exemplification, embodiment

2. a condensed account, especially of a literary work; abstract.

epitome

/ ɪˈpɪtəmɪ, ˌɛpɪˈtɒmɪkəl /

noun

1. a typical example of a characteristic or class; embodiment; personification

   he is the epitome of sloth

2. a summary of a written work; abstract

Other Word Forms

• epitomical adjective
• epitomic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of epitome¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin epitomē “abridgment,” from Greek epitomḗ “abridgment, surface incision,” equivalent to epi- + -tome

Word History and Origins

Origin of epitome¹

C16: via Latin from Greek epitomē, from epitemnein to abridge, from _epi- + temnein to cut

Example Sentences

Its Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh described it as "the epitome of psychological, moral and physical terrorism."

From BBC

To me, it’s the epitome of a good partnership.

From Los Angeles Times

The drink itself is also quite colorful, with shades of pink, orange and yellow, making it the epitome of summer in a cup.

From Salon

To me, New York was the epitome of sophistication, but I had rarely been there.

From Los Angeles Times

He described the leader as "the epitome of struggle".

From BBC

Related Words

• apotheosis 
• embodiment 
• essence 
• exemplar 
• personification