Epitome — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /i-ˈpi-tə-mē/ epit·o·me

Meaning & Definition of Epitome

Epitome (noun)

  1. a typical or ideal example, an example that represents or expresses something very well, embodiment
  2. a summary of a written work
  3. a brief presentation or statement of something

Epitome (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a short statement of the main points

    "the golden rule is often cited as the epitome of moral conduct: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"

    similar: abstract, breviary, brief, capsule, conspectus, digest, encapsulation, inventory, outline, précis, recap, recapitulation, résumé, roundup, run-through, rundown, sum, sum-up, summa, summarization, summary, summing-up, synopsis, wrap-up
    related: abbreviation, abridgment, compend, compendium, condensation, curtailment, shortening, simplification, streamlining, rehash, reprise, conclusion, epilogue
    near: amplification, enlargement, expansion, addendum, supplement

  2. a visible representation of something abstract (as a quality)

    "the prestigious prep school prides itself on being widely regarded as the epitome of tradition and old-fashioned values"

    "in his finely tailored suit, he was the very epitome of style and sophistication"

    similar: abstract, avatar, embodier, embodiment, externalization, genius, icon, image, incarnation, incorporation, instantiation, manifestation, objectification, personification, personifier
    related: actualization, concretization, exemplification, personalization, realization, substantiation, essence, quintessence, soul, archetype, exemplar, model, paradigm, pattern, reincarnation

  3. the most perfect type or example

    "Mahatma Gandhi is often cited as the epitome of resolute reformer who uses nonviolence to bring about social and political change"

    similar: acme, apotheosis, beau ideal, byword, classic, exemplar, ideal, perfection, quintessence
    related: archetype, model, prototype, paradigm, standard, nonpareil, paragon, abstract, avatar, embodier, embodiment, incarnation, incorporation, manifestation, personification, height, last word, meridian, ultimate, zenith, benchmark, criterion, touchstone, yardstick

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Epitome

The most common words with a similar meaning to Epitome:

abstract, breviary, brief, capsule, conspectus, digest, encapsulation, inventory, outline, précis, recap, recapitulation, résumé, roundup, run-through, rundown, sum, sum-up, summa, summarization, summary, summing-up, synopsis, wrap-up, avatar, embodier, embodiment, externalization, genius, icon, image, incarnation, incorporation, instantiation, manifestation, objectification, personification, personifier, acme, apotheosis

Related Words for Epitome

abbreviation, abridgment, compend, compendium, condensation, curtailment, shortening, simplification, streamlining, rehash, reprise, conclusion, epilogue, actualization, concretization, exemplification, personalization, realization, substantiation, essence, soul, archetype, model, paradigm, pattern, reincarnation, prototype, standard, nonpareil, paragon

Near Antonyms of Epitome

amplification, enlargement, expansion, addendum, supplement

Word Forms of Epitome

Derived words: epitomic (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Epitome

Latin, from Greek epitomē, from epitemnein to cut short, from epi- + temnein to cut tome

First known use: 1520

Frequently Asked Questions about Epitome

What does "Epitome" mean?

"Epitome" means a typical or ideal example, an example that represents or expresses something very well, embodiment. As a noun, it is defined as: a typical or ideal example, an example that represents or expresses something very well, embodiment. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Epitome"?

Other words for "Epitome" include abstract, breviary, brief, capsule, conspectus, digest, encapsulation and inventory. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Epitome" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Epitome"?

There are 86 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Epitome". Common alternatives include abstract, breviary, brief, capsule, conspectus, digest, encapsulation, inventory, outline and précis.

How do you use "Epitome" in a sentence?

Examples of "Epitome" in a sentence: "the golden rule is often cited as the epitome of moral conduct: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"; "the prestigious prep school prides itself on being widely regarded as the epitome of tradition and old-fashioned values"; "in his finely tailored suit, he was the very epitome of style and sophistication".

Is "Epitome" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Epitome" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Epitome"?

"Epitome" is pronounced /i-ˈpi-tə-mē/ and divided into syllables as epit·o·me.

What is the origin of the word "Epitome"?

"Epitome" comes from Latin, from Greek epitomē, from epitemnein to cut short, from epi- + temnein to cut tome. First known use: 1520.

What is another word for "Epitome" meaning "a short statement of the main points"?

When "Epitome" (noun) means a short statement of the main points, synonyms include abstract, breviary, brief, capsule, conspectus and digest.