exemplify

verb

ex·​em·​pli·​fy ig-ˈzem-plə-ˌfī 

exemplified; exemplifying

transitive verb

1

: to show or illustrate by example

anecdotes exemplifying those virtues

2

: to make an attested copy or transcript of (a document) under seal

3

a

: to be an instance of or serve as an example : embody

she exemplifies the qualities of a good leader

b

: to be typical of

a dish that exemplifies French cuisine

Synonyms

• demonstrate
• illustrate
• instance

Examples of exemplify in a Sentence

His works exemplify the taste of the period.

The city's economic growth is exemplified by the many new buildings that are currently under construction.

Recent Examples on the Web

Passing the Torch The best way to keep YA content alive is by continuously looking for fresh voices to bring new perspectives to the genre, the development execs agree, as is exemplified by the Cruel Intentions reboot. —Lynette Rice, Deadline, 6 Dec. 2024

Hernández-Pachón, the youngest winner of Colombia’s national poetry prize, captures a community ruptured by violence, exemplified by two lovers caught in its churn. —The Atlantic, 4 Dec. 2024

But according to him, Salesforce’s agent product exemplifies a tangible use case for generative AI that will be valuable to the enterprise across the board. —Julie Coleman, CNBC, 4 Dec. 2024

While his future in politics remains uncertain, his defeat exemplifies the challenges Republicans face in holding competitive districts such as the 13th. —Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English exemplifien, from Anglo-French exemplifier, from Medieval Latin exemplificare, from Latin exemplum

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

exemplify

verb

ex·​em·​pli·​fy ig-ˈzem-plə-ˌfī 

exemplified; exemplifying

1

: to show by example

the story exemplifies the virtue of generosity

2

: to serve as an example of

she exemplifies a good leader

exemplification

-ˌzem-plə-fə-ˈkā-shən

noun