exemplify
UK: ɪɡˈzemplɪfaɪ | US: ɪɡˈzemplɪfaɪ
vt. to serve as a typical example of something
vt. to illustrate or clarify by giving an example
The word "exemplify" originates from the Latin exemplum (meaning "example") combined with the verb-forming suffix -ify (derived from Latin -ficare, meaning "to make"). The morpheme "exempl" preserves the core idea of an example, while "-ify" transforms it into an action—literally "to make an example." This reflects the word's function of demonstrating or illustrating through concrete instances.
The case study exemplifies the challenges faced by small businesses.
Her work exemplifies the best practices in modern design.
The teacher used a simple experiment to exemplify the scientific principle.
This painting exemplifies the artist's early style.
The report exemplifies how data can be misinterpreted.