epitomize
UK: ɪˈpɪtəmaɪz | US: ɪˈpɪtəmaɪz
vt. to represent or embody the perfect example of something
vt. to summarize or condense a larger work or idea
epitomize = epi<upon> + tom<cut> + ize<verb suffix>
- epi (Greek: "upon, close to")
- tom (Greek: "cut," from temnein "to cut")
- ize (verb-forming suffix: "to make or become")
Etymology Origin:
The word "epitomize" originates from Greek epitomē ("abridgment"), combining epi- ("upon") and temnein ("to cut"). It originally referred to cutting down a text to its essence. Over time, it evolved to mean "to embody the quintessential qualities" of something, reflecting the idea of distilling complexity into a perfect representative form.
Her leadership epitomizes courage and integrity.
The novel epitomizes the struggles of postwar society.
This small town epitomizes rural charm.
His speech epitomized the spirit of the movement.
The design epitomizes minimalist elegance.