epitome

/ɪˈpɪɾəmi/

/ɛˈpɪtəmi/

Other forms: epitomes

If you're talking about a typical example of something, call it the epitome. The cartoon character Garfield is the epitome of the lazy, food-obsessed cat.

Coming to us from Greek through Latin, epitome refers to something that is the ultimate representative of its class. Are you the epitome of the hard-working student or do you believe in study in moderation? Make sure you pronounce epitome with the accent on the second syllable (uh-PIH-tuh-mee).

Definitions of epitome

1. noun

   a standard or typical example
   synonyms: image, paradigm, prototype

   types:

   concentrate

   a concentrated example of something

   imago

   (psychoanalysis) an idealized image of someone (usually a parent) formed in childhood

   type of:

   example, model

   a representative form or pattern
2. noun

   a brief abstract (as of an article or book)
   type of:

   abstract, outline, precis, synopsis

   a sketchy summary of the main points of an argument or theory