Epitomize
/ɪˈpɪtəˌmaɪz/
verbC1
Definition
Epitomize means to represent or show the best or most typical example of something. When a person, object, or action epitomizes an idea, it clearly shows what that idea is about in a simple and clear way.
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⚡ See It in Action
To be the perfect example of something
- •She epitomizes kindness with all her helpful actions.
- •The small town epitomizes peaceful living.
- •This painting epitomizes the style of the 19th century.
To show the main qualities of a group or idea clearly
- •His speech epitomized the spirit of the movement.
- •The athlete epitomizes hard work and determination.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "epitomize" like "show," but it means showing the best or most important example of something
- ✓Picture a small model or picture that shows everything important about a big thing, like a tiny statue that shows what a whole building looks like
- ✓It's the feeling when you see one person who shows everything good about a group, like a team captain who has all the skills and spirit of the team
- ✓Sounds like "epi-TOM-ize" → imagine a tomato ("TOM") that perfectly shows what a tomato is like, the best tomato you can think of
- ✓Think of famous characters in stories who show all the qualities of a hero or a villain in one person
- ✓NOT like "describe" (just tell about something), "epitomize" means to be the clear example itself, not just words about it
- ✓NOT like "represent" (can be general), "epitomize" means the very best or most typical example, the perfect symbol
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Represent: to stand for or be a symbol of something (Use when talking about general symbols or signs)
- •Symbolize: to be a symbol of something (Use when something stands for an idea, often more abstract)
- •Demonstrate: to clearly show or prove something (Use when focusing on showing evidence or proof)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: "epi-" (upon, above) + "tom" (from Greek "temnein" meaning to cut) + "-ize" (verb ending meaning to make or do)
- •Etymology: From Greek "epitomē" meaning a summary or cut-down version, later meaning a perfect example
- •Historical development: First used in English in the 16th century to mean a summary or example that shows the main points
- •Modern usage: Used to say someone or something is the perfect example or symbol of a quality or idea
💭 Reflect & Connect
•Can one person or thing truly epitomize a complex idea, or is it always a simplified example?
•How does seeing something that epitomizes an idea help us understand that idea better?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.She epitomizes ___ kindness and always helps others without expecting anything.
2.The old village epitomizes ___ living, with quiet streets and friendly neighbors.
3.Unlike a simple example, to epitomize something means to be the ___ example of it.
4.When a leader epitomizes confidence, their actions ___ the feeling to the whole team.
5.This actor epitomizes the ___ qualities of a classic hero in the movie.
6.The phrase "epitomize ___" is often used when someone or something perfectly shows a ___.
7.If something only partly shows an idea, it does not ___ it fully.