exemplum
C2Formal, Academic, Literary
Definition
Meaning
A short story or anecdote used to illustrate a moral point or to serve as a model of behaviour.
In rhetoric and literature, a narrative example used to support an argument; in medieval literature, a short tale used in sermons to illustrate a point.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in scholarly, historical, or literary contexts. It implies a didactic purpose and often carries a historical or classical connotation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in both varieties, confined to academic/literary discourse.
Connotations
Scholarly, historical, rhetorical.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language; slightly higher in humanities academia.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[author] uses/cites/provides an exemplum of [abstract concept]The tale functions as an exemplum of [virtue/vice]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in literary criticism, rhetoric, medieval studies, and philosophy to denote a illustrative narrative with a moral purpose.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
A specific term in classical rhetoric and literary analysis.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The fable of the tortoise and the hare is a classic *exemplum* about perseverance.
- The medieval preacher used a vivid *exemplum* about a greedy merchant to illustrate the sin of avarice.
- In his rhetoric, Cicero often employed historical *exempla* to strengthen his ethical arguments.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'EXEMPLUM' = 'EXAMPLE' from a Latin 'U' (university/old). It's an ancient, scholarly example.
Conceptual Metaphor
STORIES ARE TOOLS FOR TEACHING (The exemplum is a narrative tool used to hammer home a moral lesson).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with the more common Russian word 'пример' (example). 'Exemplum' is a highly specific, literary term.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a direct synonym for 'example' in everyday contexts.
- Misspelling as 'exemplium'.
- Incorrect plural: 'exemplums' (correct: 'exempla').
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'exemplum' be MOST appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The plural is 'exempla', from Latin.
No, it is a specialised term used almost exclusively in academic, literary, or historical writing.
An 'exemplum' is a specific type of example: it is always a narrative (a short story or anecdote) used to teach a moral lesson, often in a formal or historical context. An 'example' is a much broader, general term.
Yes, but only self-consciously in analytical writing. One might say, 'The film serves as a modern exemplum of corporate hubris,' but this is highly stylistic and formal.