English Explanatory Dictionary

epitome

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. The embodiment or encapsulation of a class of items.
  2. A representative example.
  3. The height; the best; the most vivid.
  4. A brief summary of a text.

Pronunciation

/əˈpɪt.ə.mi/ /ɪˈpɪt.ə.mi/ /ˈɛpɪtoʊm/ en-us-epitome-2.ogg En-us-epitome.ogg en-au-epitome.ogg /ˈɛ.pɪ.ʈə.mi/ /ˌɛ.pɪˌʈom/

Word forms

epitome epitomes epitomai

Etymology

From Middle French, from Latin epitomē, from Ancient Greek ἐπιτομή (epitomḗ, “an abridgment, also a surface-incision”), from ἐπιτέμνω (epitémnō, “to cut upon the surface, cut short, abridge”), from ἐπι- (epi-, “up”) + τέμνω (témnō, “to cut”).

Synonyms

exemplar model type archetype byspel case case in point embodiment epitome eponym exemplification example exemplificator Exhibit A illustration incarnation instance paradigm prototype quintessence representative sample specimen symbol ur-type icon paragon pattern template quintessential poster child acme greatest abstract synopsis

Antonyms

antithesis

Related words

epitomator epitomizer

Derived words

epitomal epitomic epitomical epitomist epitomistic epitomize epitomous
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