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

Erika Hoffmann, co-founder, driver and marketing director, exemplifies the resilience and determination needed to make a mark in motorsports. —Jenn Nelson, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024

Their work exemplifies the kind of leadership and vision necessary to thrive in the competitive world of wealth management today. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 5 Sep. 2024

The reflexive vow to impose price controls to stop those greedy corporations from gouging consumers with high prices exemplifies this type of poor policy. —Kristine Gill, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2024

The gown, which Kidman first saw from the front row at the collection’s Los Angeles runway show earlier this year, exemplifies the brand’s fusion of modern design with historical references. —Ty Gaskins, WWD, 3 Sep. 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