exemplar
C1/C2Formal, academic
Definition
Meaning
A typical example or a perfect model of something.
A person or thing serving as a model of a particular quality; a specimen, instance, or pattern to be imitated or studied.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies an ideal or representative standard against which others are judged.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly more common in formal UK academic writing.
Connotations
Equally formal in both variants.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
exemplar ofexemplar forVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Exemplar of virtue”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; 'best practice' is more common. 'The report highlighted the company as an exemplar of sustainable manufacturing.'
Academic
Common in philosophy, literature, history. 'Plato's Republic serves as the classic exemplar of utopian thought.'
Everyday
Very rare; 'perfect example' is used instead.
Technical
Used in fields like biology (type specimen) or linguistics (prototype).
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This painting is a good example of his early work.
- She is often held up as a model of professional integrity.
- The ancient text is considered an exemplar of mystical poetry from that era. His conduct during the crisis was an exemplar of calm leadership.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'EXEMPLAR' as an 'EXAMple' that is 'PAR excellence'.
Conceptual Metaphor
STANDARD IS A MODEL (e.g., the gold standard, the benchmark).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'пример' (primer) meaning 'example' – 'exemplar' is a more formal, idealised model. Не переводите автоматически как 'пример', подразумевая обычный случай.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'She exemplars good behaviour' – incorrect). Confusing it with 'exemplary' (adjective).
Practice
Quiz
Which word is closest in meaning to 'exemplar' in formal academic contexts?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a formal word primarily found in academic, philosophical, or literary contexts.
'Example' is a neutral, common word for any instance. 'Exemplar' implies an outstanding, ideal, or representative model worthy of imitation or study.
No, the adjective form is 'exemplary'. 'Exemplar' is exclusively a noun.
It is pronounced ig-ZEM-plar, with the stress on the second syllable.