epitome
Epitome (noun) means a perfect example of a quality or type; the clearest possible embodiment of something. Example: “With its marble floors and chandeliers, the hotel lobby was the epitome of luxury.”
How to use epitome
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe perfect, textbook example of something — the thing that best represents a quality.
Pronounced "eh-PIT-oh-mee," not "EP-ih-tohm" — many learners misread it because of the spelling.
Word forms
epitomes plural, epitomai plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
With its marble floors and chandeliers, the hotel lobby was the _____ of luxury.
Etymology
From Greek epitomē, "an abridgment" — from epi- + témnein ("to cut") — originally meaning a condensed summary of a text.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for epitome
See all rhymes for epitome →Frequently asked questions
What does “epitome” mean?
The word “epitome” means a perfect example of a quality or type; the clearest possible embodiment of something. In plain terms, the perfect, textbook example of something — the thing that best represents a quality.
How do you pronounce “epitome”?
“Epitome” is pronounced uh-PIHT-uh-mee (/əˈpɪt.ə.mi/ in IPA).
How do you use “epitome” in a sentence?
Here is “epitome” used in a sentence: “With its marble floors and chandeliers, the hotel lobby was the epitome of luxury.”
What is the opposite of “epitome”?
The opposite of “epitome” — its antonyms — is antithesis.
What part of speech is “epitome”?
“Epitome” is a noun.
Where does the word “epitome” come from?
The word “epitome” comes from Greek. From Greek epitomē, "an abridgment" — from epi- + témnein ("to cut") — originally meaning a condensed summary of a text.
Is “epitome” a common word?
“Epitome” is an uncommon word in modern English.