exemplify

verb

ex·​em·​pli·​fy ig-ˈzem-plə-ˌfī 

exemplified; exemplifying

transitive verb

1

: to show or illustrate by example

anecdotes exemplifying those virtues

2

: to make an attested copy or transcript of (a document) under seal

3

a

: to be an instance of or serve as an example : embody

she exemplifies the qualities of a good leader

b

: to be typical of

a dish that exemplifies French cuisine

Synonyms

• demonstrate
• illustrate
• instance

Examples of exemplify in a Sentence

His works exemplify the taste of the period.

The city's economic growth is exemplified by the many new buildings that are currently under construction.

Recent Examples on the Web

This wine—the crisp Pinot Bianco, the textured Chardonnay, the exotic Gewürztraminer, the elegant Pinot Noir, or the robust Lagrein—perfectly exemplify this region's quality and diversity. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025

That purported economic reality is exemplified by the competitive fight over the lucrative market for AI products, Ives said. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 17 Jan. 2025

Many films are called revelatory and visionary, but Lynch’s films seem made to exemplify these terms. —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2025

This was exemplified by the season finale, where co-host Billy Martin sets the cast and show on fire. —Peter White, Deadline, 15 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English exemplifien, from Anglo-French exemplifier, from Medieval Latin exemplificare, from Latin exemplum

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

exemplify

verb

ex·​em·​pli·​fy ig-ˈzem-plə-ˌfī 

exemplified; exemplifying

1

: to show by example

the story exemplifies the virtue of generosity

2

: to serve as an example of

she exemplifies a good leader

exemplification

-ˌzem-plə-fə-ˈkā-shən

noun