What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
epitomize
Example
The movie Rocky epitomizes the underdog story. [epitomizes: verb]
Example
The phrase 'less is more' epitomizes minimalist design. [epitomizes: verb]
Example
The Mona Lisa is considered the epitome of Renaissance art. [epitome: noun]
exemplify
Example
The student's hard work and dedication exemplify the school's values. [exemplify: verb]
Example
The success of the company exemplifies the benefits of teamwork. [exemplifies: verb]
Example
The painting exemplifies the use of color in impressionist art. [exemplifies: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Exemplify is more commonly used than epitomize in everyday language. Exemplify is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while epitomize is less common and often used in more formal or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between epitomize and exemplify?
Epitomize is more formal than exemplify, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, both words can be used in formal writing and speech to convey a precise and nuanced meaning.
