noun
Uncommon
epitome
uh-PIHT-uh-mee
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.”
noun
1
A perfect example of a quality or type; the clearest possible embodiment of something.
"With its marble floors and chandeliers, the hotel lobby was the epitome of luxury."
"He's the epitome of a workaholic, answering emails even on holiday."
How to use epitome
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe perfect, textbook example of something — the thing that best represents a quality.
Common mistake
Pronounced "eh-PIT-oh-mee," not "EP-ih-tohm" — many learners misread it because of the spelling.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
the epitome of elegance
epitome of success
living epitome
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Word forms
- Plural
- epitomes, epitomai
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.
