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The acme of something is its highest point of achievement or excellence.
The apogee of something is its highest or greatest point, especially in reference to a culture or career.
The best or perfect example of something is its apotheosis; likewise, this word can be used to indicate the best or highest point in someone’s life or job.
An archetype is a perfect or typical example of something because it has the most important qualities that belong to that type of thing; it can also describe essential qualities common to a particular class of things.
When something attenuates, it lessens in size or intensity; it becomes thin or weakened.
If someone shows consummate skill at doing something, that person’s skill is very great or almost perfect in every way.
A cynosure is an object that serves as the center of attention.
Debility is a state of being physically or mentally weak, usually due to illness.
A definitive opinion on an issue cannot be challenged; therefore, it is the final word or the most authoritative pronouncement on that issue.
A dilettante is someone who frequently pursues an interest in a subject; nevertheless, they never spend the time and effort to study it thoroughly enough to master it.
If you describe a person, group, or civilization as effete, you mean it is weak, exhausted, powerless, unproductive, and/or corrupt.
Efficacy is the ability or power to produce an expected effect or result.
An embodiment of something, such as a quality or idea, is a visible representation or concrete expression of it.
If you emulate someone, you try to behave the same way they do because you admire them a great deal.
An exemplary person is one that sets an ideal or praiseworthy example for others to follow.
One thing that exemplifies another serves as an example of it, illustrates it, or demonstrates it.
Someone who is feckless is incompetent and lacks the determination or skill to achieve much of anything at all in life.
A fledgling business endeavor is just beginning or developing.
The nadir of a situation is its lowest point.
A neophyte is a person who is just beginning to learn a subject or skill—or how to do an activity of some kind.
Something nonpareil has no equal because it is much better than all others of its kind or type.
If you are a novice at an activity, you have just begun or started doing it.
If something is obsolescent, it is slowly becoming no longer needed because something newer or more effective has been invented.
A paradigm is a model or example of something that shows how it works or how it can be produced; a paradigm shift is a completely new way of thinking about something.
A paragon is an example of a thing or person at its or their very best.
When you personify something, such as a quality, you are the perfect example of it.
If someone reaches a pinnacle of something—such as a career or mountain—they have arrived at the highest point of it.
Something is quintessential when it is a perfect example of its type.
A superlative deed or act is excellent, outstanding, or the best of its kind.
A tyro has just begun learning something.
Something vintage is the best of its kind and of excellent quality; it is of a past time and is considered a classic example of its type.
The zenith of something is its highest, most powerful, or most successful point.
Noun
epitome
i-PIT-uh-mee
Context
Theo is the epitome or perfect example of kindness; everyone adores him for the thoughtful and generous way he treats his friends. Nobody can quite believe how nice he is, especially considering that his father Tad is the epitome or best example of a spoiled, rich person. Tad seems to believe that he is the epitome of or last word in being “cool,” but he’s really just a thoughtless jerk. It’s good that Theo is redefining the family name as the epitome or essence of goodness.
A PieToMe When she gave that sweet pietome it was the epitome of joy.
Examples
"Ann Richards was the epitome of Texas politics: a figure larger than life who had a gift for captivating the public with her great wit," said Gov. Rick Perry in a statement.
—
The Texas Tribune
Chadwick Boseman was remembered as a hometown hero who brought a sense of pride to his native Anderson, South Carolina. . . . “He is the epitome of black excellence,” said Deanna Brown-Thomas, the daughter of legendary singer James Brown and president of her father’s family foundation.
—
The Augusta Chronicle
Kim Royar, a wildlife biologist with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, said King has been a great conservation partner for her organization. “He works to bring groups together under the broad umbrella of conservation,” she said. “He is the epitome of a great partner—he works hard, collaborates, is humble, and is a pleasure to work with.
—
Addison County Independent
"He spread his grace on everything and every one he came in contact with," former Brave Chipper Jones said. Noting the challenges [Hank] Aaron faced in his lifetime, Jones called him the "epitome of class and integrity."
—
NPR
An epitome is a representative or characteristic “cutting or slice near” the essence or best example of a group of people.
Word Theater
Parks and Recreation The epitome of a desk for the head of a department.
The panel shows a small video clip of either the word in actual use or a scene that represents the meaning of a word. This not only breaks up the monotony of studying words but also provides another avenue to strengthen word meaning. Enjoy!
Word Constellation
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Related Words
acme ·
apogee ·
apotheosis ·
archetype ·
consummate ·
cynosure ·
definitive+ ·
efficacy ·
embodiment+ ·
emulate ·
exemplary+ ·
exemplify+ ·
nonpareil ·
paradigm ·
paragon ·
personify+ ·
pinnacle ·
quintessential ·
superlative+ ·
vintage+ ·
zenith ·
attenuate ·
debility ·
dilettante ·
effete ·
feckless ·
fledgling+ ·
nadir ·
neophyte ·
novice+ ·
obsolescent ·
tyro ·
Similar sense
Opposite sense
Word Variants
epitomize
v
→
to be an excellent representative example of something
The section lists important variants and alternate definitions of the headword. Knowing variants will often help you both remember and understand the word. Not all variants are listed - only the ones we think that are important for you to know.
