exemplar

/ɛgˈzɛmplɑr/

/ɛgˈzɛmplɑ/

Other forms: exemplars

A high school valedictorian is an exemplar of dedication and hard work. Most parents would love for their children to emulate a student with such excellent grades.

Notice the similarity between the words exemplar and example. This word can mean both “perfect example” and “typical example.” A fireman can be an exemplar of courage, and a building can be an exemplar of the architecture from a certain period.

Definitions of exemplar

1. noun

   something to be imitated
   “an exemplar of success”

   synonyms: example, good example, model

   types:

   beaut, beauty

   an outstanding example of its kind

   pacemaker, pacesetter

   a leading instance in its field

   pattern

   a model considered worthy of imitation

   prodigy

   an impressive or wonderful example of a particular quality

   type of:

   ideal

   the idea of something that is perfect; something that one hopes to attain