exemplar
eg-ZEM-plahr
/ɪmˈzɛmplɑːr/
A person or thing serving as a typical example or an excellent model worthy of imitation.
Implies a gold standard or prime example that others should look up to and copy because of its superior quality or integrity.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'exemplar', meaning 'pattern, model, or copy.' This was derived from 'exemplum' (sample), which literally comes from 'eximere', meaning 'to take out' (ex- 'out' + emere 'to take'). An exemplar is something 'taken out' of the group to show everyone else how it should be done.
Word relationships
- model: A model is a standard to be copied, while an exemplar is a highly specific, living or existing embodiment of that standard at its absolute best.
- paradigm: A paradigm is a conceptual framework or pattern, whereas an exemplar is a concrete, individual example of excellence.
- anomaly: An anomaly is a deviation from the norm, whereas an exemplar is the perfect representation of the ideal norm.
Commonly confused with
- example: An example is any representative case, good or bad, while an exemplar is specifically an excellent model that is worthy of imitation.
Word family
- exemplary (adjective): Serving as a desirable model; very good.
- exemplify (verb): Be a typical example of.
Collocations
- shining exemplar
- perfect exemplar
- serve as an exemplar
- exemplar of virtue
Example sentences
- "Throughout her long career, she remained an exemplar of ethical leadership and selflessness." A biography of a humanitarian.
- "The cathedral is considered an exemplar of Gothic architecture, featuring perfect proportions and stunning stained glass." An architectural critique.
Memory hook
An exemplar is an 'example' that is 'stellar' (exemplar). Exemplar: A stellar example to follow.
When not to use
Do not use for a random or average example. An exemplar must be an outstanding, ideal representative of its kind.
Fun facts
- In medieval philosophy, 'exemplarism' was the theory that God created the world according to ideal archetypes or exemplars in the divine mind.
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