Exemplify: meaning, definitions and examples

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exemplify

 

[ ɪɡˈzɛmplɪˌfaɪ ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

in writing

To illustrate or clarify by giving examples. To show or demonstrate something clearly and concretely.

Synonyms

clarify, demonstrate, illustrate, show.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
exemplify

Used when you want to provide an example to better explain or represent something.

  • Her actions exemplify the company's commitment to sustainability.
  • This case exemplifies the need for better healthcare.
illustrate

Used when you want to explain or make something clear by using pictures, diagrams, or examples.

  • The book is illustrated with beautiful drawings.
  • Let me illustrate this concept with a diagram.
demonstrate

Used when you want to show how something works or to provide proof of something.

  • He demonstrated the proper way to lift heavy objects.
  • The video demonstrates how to set up the device.
show

A versatile word used in many situations to indicate presenting, displaying, or providing evidence of something.

  • She showed me her travel photos.
  • The results show that our efforts are paying off.
clarify

Used when you need to make something clearer or easier to understand.

  • Can you clarify what you meant by that statement?
  • The teacher clarified the homework instructions.

Examples of usage

  • Can you exemplify your point with a real-life example?
  • This case exemplifies the importance of following safety procedures.
Context #2 | Verb

formal

To be a typical example of; represent in a typical way.

Synonyms

embody, exhibit, represent, typify.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
exemplify

Use when you want to show something as a clear, typical example. It often implies demonstrating principles or qualities in a specific case.

  • This painting exemplifies the artist's early style.
  • Her actions exemplify courage.
represent

Use when you want to indicate that someone or something stands in for or symbolizes something else. It often applies to both literal and symbolic representation.

  • These photographs represent his life's work.
  • She was chosen to represent the company at the conference.
typify

Use when you want to describe something serving as a typical example of a particular thing. It often implies being characteristic or quintessential.

  • His behavior typifies the attitude of the whole team.
  • The houses typify the architecture of that era.
embody

Use when you want to indicate that something is a tangible, visible form of a concept, idea, or quality. It often implies a more profound, intrinsic representation.

  • He embodies the spirit of dedication.
  • The statue embodies freedom and justice.
exhibit

Use when you want to show something publicly or to display a behavior, quality, or feeling. It often situates within contexts of public display, like shows or exhibitions.

  • The museum will exhibit ancient artifacts.
  • He exhibited signs of stress.

Examples of usage

  • Her dedication exemplifies the spirit of the team.
  • This painting exemplifies the artist's unique style.
Context #3 | Noun

rare

A typical or representative example.

Synonyms

example, model, paradigm, sample.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
exemplify

This word is used to show or illustrate something by giving a clear example, often in a formal or academic setting.

  • His behavior exemplifies the problems we face
  • The teacher used a story to exemplify the lesson
example

This is a general term used to denote something that represents or illustrates an idea or a concept. It can be used in both casual and formal contexts.

  • Can you give me an example of what you mean? This painting is a fine example of modern art
model

Use this word when referring to a standard or ideal to be imitated or followed. It can also refer to a physical or conceptual representation of something.

  • She is a role model for young athletes
  • The architect created a model of the new building
paradigm

This term is often used in academic or intellectual contexts to describe a typical example or pattern of something, especially in the context of theories or systems of thought.

  • The scientist challenged the dominant paradigm with his new theory
  • This book offers a new paradigm for understanding economics
sample

Use this word when referring to a small part or quantity intended to show what the whole is like. It is often used in scientific, marketing, or everyday contexts when testing or tasting.

  • We need a sample of your blood for testing
  • The store gave out free samples of the new product

Examples of usage

  • This poem is considered an exemplify of the Romantic era.

Translations

Translations of the word "exemplify" in other languages:

🇵🇹 exemplificar

🇮🇳 उदाहरण देना

🇩🇪 veranschaulichen

🇮🇩 mencontohkan

🇺🇦 показувати приклад

🇵🇱 ilustrować

🇯🇵 例示する (れいじする)

🇫🇷 illustrer

🇪🇸 ejemplificar

🇹🇷 örneklemek

🇰🇷 예시하다

🇸🇦 يعطي مثالا

🇨🇿 předvést příklad

🇸🇰 ilustrovať

🇨🇳 举例说明 (jǔlì shuōmíng)

🇸🇮 ponazoriti

🇮🇸 sýna dæmi

🇰🇿 мысал келтіру

🇬🇪 მაგალითის მოყვანა

🇦🇿 nümunə göstərmək

🇲🇽 ejemplificar

Etymology

The word 'exemplify' comes from the Latin word 'exemplificare', which means 'to illustrate'. The term has been used in English since the 15th century. It has been commonly used in academic and formal contexts to emphasize the act of providing concrete examples to support an argument or idea. The concept of exemplifying has been a key element in education and communication, helping to make abstract concepts more tangible and understandable.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,124, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.