Exemplary
/ɪɡˈzɛmpləri/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Exemplary means showing a very high standard or quality that others should try to copy. It often describes behavior, work, or actions that are excellent and worthy of being an example to others.
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See It in Action
Describing something as a perfect example to follow
- •She received an award for her exemplary work in the project.
- •His exemplary behavior in class inspired other students.
- •The company’s safety record is exemplary compared to others.
Serving as a warning or punishment example (less common meaning)
- •The judge gave an exemplary sentence to discourage others.
- •The punishment was meant to be exemplary to prevent future crimes.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "exemplary" like "good" (A1 word), but much stronger—it's not just good, it is a perfect example to follow.
- ✓Picture a student who always does their homework perfectly and helps others—this student is exemplary.
- ✓It's the feeling when you see someone doing something so well that you want to be like them.
- ✓Sounds like "example" → imagine a shining star that shows the way, like a perfect example.
- ✓Remember a teacher praising a student for exemplary behavior—someone who sets a great example for others.
- ✓NOT like "average" (normal or okay), exemplary means outstanding and special.
- ✓NOT like "bad" or "poor"—exemplary is the opposite, showing the best way.
- ✓NOT just "good," but something people look up to and want to copy.
Try Other Words
- •Outstanding: very good and impressive (Use when you want to say someone or something is very good but not necessarily a model example)
- •Model: serving as a good example (Use when emphasizing the idea of being an example to follow)
- •Excellent: extremely good (Use for general high quality without the idea of being an example)
- •Ideal: perfect for a particular purpose (Use when something matches the best standard or need)
Unboxing
- •Prefix: ex- (out of, from)
- •Root: exempl- (from Latin "exemplum" meaning example)
- •Suffix: -ary (relating to)
- •Etymology: From Latin "exemplaris," meaning "serving as an example"
- •Historical development: Used since the 16th century to describe things worthy of being an example
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to praise behavior, work, or qualities that others should copy or admire
Reflect & Connect
•Can something be exemplary in one culture but not in another? How do examples change?
•How do you decide if someone's behavior or work is truly exemplary?
Fill in the blanks
1.Her ___ work on the project made her the best student in the class.
2.The teacher praised his ___ behavior because it showed respect and kindness.
3.Unlike average results, exemplary performance is ___ to others as a goal.
4.The company’s safety record is ___, so other businesses try to ___ it.
5.The judge gave an ___ sentence to make sure others would ___ crime.
6.When someone is ___, people often want to ___ their actions.
7.To be ___ means to set a ___ example that others want to follow.