Reading Theme:
Exemplify: Definition, Usage & Example Sentences (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：be a perfect example (exemplify)
exemplify
/ɪɡˈzemplɪfaɪ/
vt.
To be a perfect or typical example of a particular quality, idea, or group.
be a perfect example
➕
/biː ə ˈpɜːfɪkt ɪɡˈzɑːmpl/
vt.
To serve as a classic, ideal, or representative model of a particular quality, concept, or category.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'exemplum' (example) + 'facere' (to make). Literally 'to make an example'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think: An EXAMPLE is PLIed For You (ex-ample-pli-fy). To 'exemplify' is to make something your prime example.
📖 Example
Her dedication to helping others truly exemplifies the spirit of great leadership.
Her commitment to assisting others perfectly represents the essence of excellent leadership.
🔗 Collocations
exemplify the qualities – to perfectly show the characteristics
exemplify the principles – to serve as a perfect model of the ideas or rules
exemplify a trend – to be a typical instance of a general pattern
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
contradict (vt.) – To be in conflict with or oppose a stated principle.
misrepresent (vt.) – To give a false or misleading account of the nature of something.
🌱 Derivatives
exemplification (n.) – The act of exemplifying; an example.
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'exemplify' entered English in the late 15th century, directly from Medieval Latin 'exemplificare'. Its core component 'exemplum' was used in Roman rhetoric and law to denote a model or precedent. The modern usage retains this sense of providing a concrete, illustrative standard.
Meaning 2：demonstrate with examples (exemplify)
exemplify
/ɪɡˈzemplɪfaɪ/
vt.
To show or explain something clearly by giving examples.
demonstrate with examples
➕
/ˈdemənstreɪt wɪð ɪɡˈzɑːmplz/
vt.
To illustrate or clarify a general concept, rule, or argument by providing specific instances or cases.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The teacher used various fruits to exemplify the concept of 'fruit' to the young students.
The instructor employed different types of fruit to clearly illustrate the idea of 'fruit' for the children.
🔗 Collocations
exemplify a point – to illustrate an argument with a concrete case
exemplify by – to demonstrate using a particular method or instance
clearly exemplify – to illustrate in an unambiguous way
🔄 Synonyms
illustrate (vt.) – To explain or make something clear by using examples, pictures, or diagrams.
demonstrate (vt.) – To show something clearly through evidence or example.
instance (vt.) – To cite as an example.
🚫 Antonyms
obscure (vt.) – To make something unclear or difficult to understand.
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser