exemplify
C1Formal/Academic
Definition
Meaning
to be a typical example of something; to show or illustrate by example.
To serve as a representative specimen of a broader category, trend, or principle; to demonstrate a general rule or quality through a specific instance.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a transitive verb focusing on providing a concrete instance that embodies an abstract quality, rule, or trend. Often used to make generalizations clearer or more persuasive.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling of derived forms (e.g., exemplified/exemplifying) is consistent.
Connotations
Slightly more common in formal British academic writing; equally common in formal American contexts.
Frequency
Comparatively low frequency in everyday speech in both varieties, but standard in formal writing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
NP1 (Subject/Agent) + exemplify + NP2 (Object/Quality exemplified)This case exemplifies the broader trend.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in reports and presentations to highlight a key success or failure that represents a wider company trend. (e.g., 'This quarter's sales exemplify the effectiveness of our new strategy.')
Academic
Common in essays and research to provide a concrete example supporting a theoretical argument. (e.g., 'Shakespeare's Hamlet exemplifies the Renaissance focus on individual conflict.')
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Used to make a point more forcefully in discussion. (e.g., 'Her generosity really exemplifies the community spirit here.')
Technical
Used in legal, scientific, or philosophical texts to specify a particular instance of a general rule or category.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The council's new policy exemplifies their commitment to sustainability.
- This painting perfectly exemplifies the Pre-Raphaelite style.
- He was chosen to exemplify the values of good sportsmanship.
American English
- This case exemplifies the need for patent law reform.
- Her leadership exemplifies the company's innovative culture.
- The design exemplifies mid-century modern architecture.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This photo exemplifies a happy family.
- The teacher used a story to exemplify the moral lesson.
- The architect's early work exemplifies the transition from Art Deco to Modernism.
- These findings exemplify the challenges faced by small businesses.
- The treaty is often cited to exemplify the pitfalls of multilateral diplomacy.
- His career exemplifies the successful synthesis of artistic innovation and commercial appeal.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'EXAMPLE + IFY (to make)'. To EXEMPLIFY is to MAKE something into a clear EXAMPLE.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SPECIFIC INSTANCE IS A BEARER OF A GENERAL QUALITY (The case carries the principle).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation with 'примерять' (to try on clothes).
- Do not confuse with 'examine' or 'explain'. The core is being a model example, not just describing one.
Common Mistakes
- Using it intransitively (e.g., 'This story exemplifies' - needs an object: '...exemplifies courage').
- Confusing spelling: 'exemplify' not 'examplify'.
- Overuse in informal contexts where 'show' or 'is an example of' is more natural.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'exemplify' CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is common in formal, academic, and professional writing but is less frequent in everyday spoken English, where simpler words like 'show' or 'is an example of' are often used.
Yes, a person can exemplify a quality, value, or trend (e.g., 'She exemplifies integrity').
The primary noun form is 'exemplification'. The more common related noun is 'example'.
They are often synonyms. 'Exemplify' strongly implies serving as the *typical* or *ideal* example, embodying a quality. 'Illustrate' has a broader sense of making something clear, often using an example, diagram, or story.
Collections
Part of a collection
Advanced Academic Verbs
C2 · 49 words · Sophisticated verbs for scholarly discourse.