What does "epitome" mean?
The embodiment or encapsulation of a class of items.
Epitome
/ɛˈpiʈəmi/ noun
noun ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The embodiment or encapsulation of a class of items.
- Grammar: epitome is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: abbreviation, abbreviature, abrege, abridgement.
- Useful contrasts: anomaly, antithesis, detail.
- Usage evidence: The old man is the epitome of kindness.
How to use "epitome"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "epitome" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "epitome" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "epitome" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "epitome" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "epitome" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "abbreviation" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "epitome", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The embodiment or encapsulation of a class of items.
"This is a poore Epitome of yours, / Which by th'interpretation of full time, / May ſhew like all your ſelfe."
- 2 a standard or typical example wordnet
- 3 A representative example.
"The minute they see me, fear me / I'm the epitome of "public enemy""
- 4 a brief abstract (as of an article or book) wordnet
- 5 The height; the best; the most vivid.
"He looks the very epitome of fright: I do not think he could eat one of those apples, if it were given him."
Show 1 more definition
- 6 A brief summary of a text.
"Having now so amply declared unto thee most of the principal things of this thrice-renowned and illustrious city, I will briefly by way of an epitome mention most of the other particulars thereof, and so finally shut up this narration: there are reported to be in Venice and the circumjacent islands two hundred churches in which are one hundred forth-three pairs of organs, fifty-four monasteries, twenty-six nunneries, fifty-six tribunals or places of judgment, seventeen hospitals, six companies or fraternities, whereof I have before spoken; one hundred and sixty-five marble statues of worthy personages, partly equestrial, partly pedestrial, which are erected in sundry places of the city, to the honour of those that either at home have prudently administered the commonweal, or abroad valiantly fought for the same."
Antonyms
Example
"The old man is the epitome of kindness."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "epitome"?
Common synonyms include: abbreviation, abbreviature, abrege, abridgement, abridgment, abstract.
How do you use "epitome" in a sentence?
The old man is the epitome of kindness.
How do you pronounce "epitome"?
Pronounced /ɛˈpiʈəmi/.
Etymology
From Middle French, from Latin epitomē, from Ancient Greek ἐπιτομή (epitomḗ, “an abridgment, also a surface-incision”), from ἐπιτέμνω (epitémnō, “I cut upon the surface, cut short, abridge”), from ἐπι- (epi-, “up”) + τέμνω (témnō, “to cut”).